2014 Coleccion Privada

The 2014 Colección Privada is pure Tempranillo from two vineyards in San Vicente de la Sonsierra (Jarrarte and Valgrande) planted in 1957 and 1959, respectively. They fermented separately, one destemmed with traditional fermentation and the other with carbonic maceration, with malolactic in barrel and élevage in new oak, 50/50 French and American, for 16 months. Compared with the 2015, it feels more evolved and the oak is more evident, while the fruit is not as expressive and showy. With some time in the glass, it turns balsamic, with notes of cigar ash and incense. This seems to be evolving quite fast. 25,000 bottles were filled in May 2016.

Dark crimson. Robust, savoury, briary nose with notes of meat extract and bitter chocolate, lots of ripe, young fruit on the mid palate. Still a little dry on the finish but very well balanced and well set up for a glorious future. Extremely vigorous and more concentrated than many a red rioja without any excess oakiness. (JR)

(sourced from vines that were planted in 1957 and 1959; fermented with de-stemmed whole berries in stainless steel tanks and aged for 16 months in new French and American oak barrels, 50 percent of each) Lurid ruby. Potent, mineral-laced dark berry and cherry-vanilla aromas are complicated by hints of floral pastilles and peppery spices. Broad and seamless on the palate, offering alluringly sweet blackberry, cola, mocha and violet flavors that become deeper and fleshier with air. Sappy and energetic in character, closing with powerful thrust and silky, harmonious tannins.