Ferrer Bobet Selecció Especial 2014

To catch up on the top of the range, I tasted three vintages, the oldest of which is the 2014 Selecció Especial, pure Cariñena from extremely old vines cropped from a cooler and wetter year. It matured in French barrels for 18 months. This certainly has the advantage of a little more bottle age, which is a must for these powerful reds, and it feels harmonious, nuanced and expressive, with dark fruit and an earthy sensation reminiscent of peat and wet stones. The palate is full-bodied with a textured feeling and some fine-grained tannins, lifted by good freshness and acidity. It finishes dry and long. 3,192 bottles and 100 magnums produced. It was bottled in July 2016.

Stunning black-cherry, licorice and mineral character. Excellent concentration and richness, but still bright and fresh with a very long finish that is packed with great flavors. Made 100 per cent from old carinena/carignan vines.