Estrecho Monastrell 2016

The 2016 Estrecho was cropped from a more unusual, cooler and wetter year. It's produced with a very soft vinification in 2,000-liter oak vats and new barriques. It was bottled after 15 months in oak. This is a powerful vintage; the wine has clout, power and concentration and a little more rusticity (the textbook tree bark!) than the 2017 that I tasted together with this one. There are some dusty tannins and an earthy, chalky sensation on the palate. The 2017 feels more precise than this, but the only problem with this is showing it next to the 2017... 5,500 bottles were filled in May 2018.

Some gently herbal and minty nuances through red summer berries. This has a very complete and convincing palate with cherry flavors wrapped in dark chocolate. Drink or hold.