2010 Yecla Seleccion Reservada

80% Monastrell and 20% Syrah from the Campo Arriba vineyards to the north of the appellation at an altitude of 750-800 m above sea level. Soil is mainly limestone with some sand. Monastrell is 35 years old, planted as bushvines with a density of 1,660 vines/ha and giving an average yield of 3,000-4,000 kg/ha. Syrah is 15 years old, trellised, with a planting density of 2,777 vines/ha and a yield of 5,000-6,000 kg/ha. Harvest took place in late September to early October. Fermented for 10 days at 26-28 °C, then matured for 12 months in 50% French and 50% American oak barrels. 20% of the barrels were new, 40% second-fill and 40% third fill. Winemaker Mariano López. TA 5.15 g/l, pH 3.7, RS 2.8 g/l. I can see why they have two wines from Yecla! Quite light and sweet and lively – a delicious whole. A reaction to full-throttle Monastrell perhaps? VGV (JR)