Peique El Rapolao 2019

They are also producing a vino de paraje from the most famous lieu-dit in the village, the 2019 El Rapolao, from north- and northwest-facing old vines on red clay and stony soils. The full clusters fermented in used 500-liter oak barrels with indigenous yeasts and foot treading for 35 to 40 days. The wine was pressed, the barrels cleaned and closed and the wine put to age in them for 12 months. It has 13.5% alcohol and is nicely balanced, with more freshness than the wines from 2020. It's clean and harmonious, with integrated oak, varietal aromas and flavors and an elegant mouthfeel. This is my favorite of the "paraje" reds today. Only 600 bottles produced. It was bottled in April 2021.

Complex and layered, a wonderful expression of one of the most important vineyard sites in Valtuille de Abajo. Forest herbs and garrigue combine with wild strawberry, Turkish delight and a touch of cola. Punchy with grippy, chalky tannins yet everything is in place and refined. The oak is noticeable but frames the wine well and it is still very young.