2016 Dits del Terra

Deep, glistening ruby-red. A complex, highly perfumed bouquet evokes fresh red and dark berries, baking spices and candied flowers, and a vibrant mineral nuance builds with air. Sappy, sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering juicy black raspberry, cherry and floral pastille flavors complemented by hints of star anise and a hint of black tea. Smooth and seamless in texture, showing superb finishing clarity, fine-grained tannins and strong persistence.

There is an awkward touch of oak on the nose of the 2016 Dits del Terra, not that it is excessive, but in the context of other wines, which show more and more purity, more elegance and less oak, this feels oakier than previous years. Apparently there is one foudre that still lends these notes, and to be honest, I'm sure there are people who would like it better than the Arbossar (the other pure Cariñena in this same price range). There are some dusty tannins and some oak-related flavors. This is a one-off in the portfolio and my least favorite. 4,868 bottles were filled in July 2018.

This really sexy and exciting with amazing purity of fruit and complex, mineral and slate character. Super fine silk over velvet texture. Full body. Firm. Great length. Amazing. Drink or hold.