2019 is considered to be amongst the top three vintages of this century, alongside 2001 and 2015, with balance and freshness being the defining characteristics of this new release.
A blend of over 30 year old Tempranillo (80%) grown on steep high-altitude clay-limestone soils in La Cuesta (Fuenmayor) and Montecillo (Cenicero), and 17 year old Garnacha (20%) grown at 550 metres above sea-level in deep pebble-rich terrains in La Pedriza (Tudelilla-Rioja Oriental). The grapes are cluster-selected and hand-harvested before being optically sorted before fermentation which lasts 17 days, followed by a natural malolactic fermentation. The Tempranillo is aged for 36 months and the Garnacha for 30 months in seasoned American oak barrels made in their own cooperage. They are traditionally racked by candlelight 5 times before being bottled in December 2023. The wines is in effect a declassified Gran Reserva, going through the same lengthy ageing requirements as any top Gran Reserva but does not bear the extra ageing on the label.
Bright and aromatic, this wine showcases classic La Rioja Alta notes of polished leather, mahogany, and clove, but with a more restrained use of oak, allowing the vibrant fruit to take center stage. The palate bursts with red and black berries, cherries, and ripe plum, balanced by enticing baking spices of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of orange zest. The result is a refreshingly dynamic wine with a beautiful harmony of fruit and spice.
