Ángeles de Amaren 2018

A blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano, the 2018 Ángeles de Amaren is a juicy, clean and modern Rioja. It matured in 225-liter first and second use barriques (65% of them French and the rest American), which has lent it faint spicy and smoke aromas and more noticeable flavors and tannins. The fruit is ripe and the wine has concentration and 14.5% alcohol; it is quite extroverted and showy, with ripe flavors and grainy tannins. 78,594 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2021.

A juicy and fluid Rioja showing spiced plums, tamarind and a hint of hibiscus flowers and mineral. Medium-bodied and bright on the palate, with some tight yet fine tannins and a nuanced finish. Good length in the end. Drink now.