Valdelabarga 2020

The new single-vineyard red blend 2020 Valdelabarga Parcela Venta del Bravo is a blend of Garnacha, Bobal and white Macabeo grown on 1.2 hectares of head-pruned and dry-farmed vines in very stony soils à la Châteauneuf (lots of boulders) in the village of Torralba de Ribota planted some 80 years ago (the register says planted 1941). It fermented in open stainless steel tanks and matured in 500-liter Stockinger barrels. It's quite surprising how a similar field blend in Mata Quemada delivers so different wines. This is darker, a little riper and more structured. The élevage in oak might have given it a little creaminess and certainly notes of spices. This is medium to full-bodied, with some 14.5% alcohol and abundant tannins more reminiscent of a Priorat than something from Gredos. It's going to need some time in bottle. It's also sold without appellation of origin. There should be some 3,300 bottles when they are filled in October/November 2021.

Ripe red berries and wild cherries with a spicy and creamy undertone. Really juicy and sappy with firm, fresh tannins that support the medium- to full-bodied palate and drive it to a tangy and nimble finish with excellent length. Garnacha tinta, provechon, robal, macabeo. Drink now.