La Zorra Ituero 2017

The ambitious, expressive, aromatic and balanced 2017 Rufete Ituero was produced with grapes from a vineyard planted in 1930 on granite soils at 890 meters in altitude. The full clusters were foot trodden, and the juice finished fermenting without skins with natural yeasts. It went through malolactic in American oak barrels (which might have given it a faint lactic touch) and matured in second use French barriques for nine months. It has ripeness without excess, notes of berries and flowers, the palate is medium-bodied and has fine tannins and a soft, juicy texture. Very promising. 1,783 bottles were filled in October 2018.

This is really pretty red from the rufete grape. It shows lavender, violets, lemons, orange peel and raspberries. Medium-bodied with cutting acidity and loads of tangy berry fruit throughout. Floral undertones permeate the whole palate and this finishes long and racy. Drink now.