Idus de Vall Llach 2017

I was surprised by the bright berry aromas of the 2017 Idus, with notes of raspberries and blackberries and the oak in the background, adding spiciness but not stealing the show. This comes from selected grapes from old vines purchased from local growers; it's a blend of 68% Cariñena and 32% Garnacha with 15.5% alcohol that doesn't show heat or alcohol and comes through as balanced, juicy and powerful but also elegant. It has fine-grained tannins and a dry, long finish. The Cariñena matured in new and second use 225- and 300-liter French oak barrels and the Garnacha in tinaja and 1,50-liter oak vats for 14 months during which time it was racked once. 6,860 bottles were filled in May 2019.

Impressive blueberry and flinty, graphite-like aromas here with ripe plums, too. The palate has a super smooth, sleek and deliciously juicy feel, delivering plenty of ripe yet fresh blue-fruit flavor. Fine, long tannins. Drink or hold.