Las Quebradas 2011

Only in its second vintage, the single vineyard 2011 Las Quebradas is pure Monastrell from a chalk-rich, stony vineyard with very poor soils planted with 1,500 vines per hectare that are dry farmed and head pruned. The grapes were fermented in small lots in square vats with indigenous yeasts and a gentle hand treading. The wine matured for 15 months in French oak barrel and it shows more finesse and poise than the Estrecho, though still marked by the élevage with aromas of toasted sesame seeds and smoke with the tree bark-like aromas taking a surprising herbal tone (fennel, aniseed?) in a way that made me think of a left bank Bordeaux. This feels quite different from the initial 2010 that was all finesse and elegance. In this vintage it is getting closer to Estrecho, though perhaps a little more subtle, combining power with rusticity and elegance. In any case, this is a great expression of Monastrell. It will surely grow in bottle, as it also grows in the glass. 20,000 bottles were produced.