Les Aubaguetes 2018

The 2018 Les Aubaguetes is the fourth vintage from this plot of 1.28 hectares on a slope planted in the early 20th century. This year it's a blend of 71% Garnacha, 28% Cariñena and 1% Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo. Most of the wines have more Cariñena in 2018 than in 2017, and in this wine, it has been increasing right from the first vintage. It fermented in oak with a maceration of 55 days and matured for 14 months in oak barrels of different sizes. This is very concentrated and powerful, a little more rustic, or let's say with a different profile, than the other wines that are all from Gratallops (this is from the neighboring village of Bellmunt de Priorat). The wine is aromatic and balsamic, with more aromatics and texture from the Cariñena. It has a powerful palate with abundant and slightly dusty tannins, very long and persistent. 2,880 bottles were filled in April 2020.

Such pure aromas of blueberries and cherries with lavender and white pepper. It’s medium-bodied with persistent, ultra fine tannins. So much finesse and focus. The finish goes on for minutes. Drinkable now, but give it a year or two to open.