2018 Tannat Reserva

Fermented in concrete tanks and aged 6–12 months on fine less in French oak barrels and casks. TA 5 g/l, pH 3.72, RS 3 g/l. Very dark crimson, almost black at the core. Dark fruit that is ripe yet counterbalanced by a lovely stone-dust freshness. This has become more refined and complex since I tasted it in embryonic form 18 months ago. There is still a rich foundation of black fruit but also a touch of pepper and a delicate floral character, or perhaps it is lavender. Still plenty of firm and very fine tannins, juicy too and persistent. This is now at a perfect moment for drinking, especially with food, but is clearly going to continue to age well, and longer than I first thought. The oak has died back to reveal the key components of this wine: the fresh dark fruit, the super-fine but shaping tannins and that mineral quality that adds more freshness. (JH)