Aurus 2010

"The 2010 Aurus is what De Gregorio considers the golden formula (aurus is gold in Latin) for blending 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano from a number of head-pruned vineyards in Briones averaging 60 years of age, which fermented in French oak vats, carried out its malolactic fermentation in new French oak barrels, and completed its upbringing over two years with rackings every four months before being bottled unfiltered and unfined. The difference here is that these are north-facing vineyards, with clay and gravel soils that produced austere wines. This is a much more serious wine, closed in the nose, elegant, subtle, with balsamic notes, mint, more mineral than fruity (produced with stones instead of fruits, I joked, but in a way it was true!). The palate reveals a tight, compact wine, with fine-grained tannins, straight and vertical, with great acidity and a mineral finish. 2010 is a superb Aurus! Drink 2016-2030."