Marqués de Vargas Reserva 2018

"Fresh and Atlantic" is how Xavier Ausàs describes the 2018 vintage of the Marqués de Vargas Reserva. Still youthful and closed, this is a stylish assemblage of Tempranillo with 12% Mazuelo and 10% Garnacha, with plum and blackberry fruit, racy acidity, layered, granular tannins, a hint of reduction and toasty 30% new wood. 2025-30.

The 2018 Reserva is among my favorite wines from this tasting; it's more fluid, fresher and with contained ripeness and integrated oak. Despite everything, the wine is 14.3% alcohol, but the mouthfeel and overall sensation is different. It was produced with 77% Tempranillo, 12% Mazuelo (Cariñena) and 10% Garnacha that matured in barrel for 22 months.

Black walnuts, incense and dark peppercorn spices to the dark cherries and plums. Pretty elegant and juicy on the palate with a medium body and fresh, juicy tannins. Fresh, vertical and long. Drink now.