2016 Domaines Lupier La Dama

The more delicate, ethereal and fine 2016 La Dama is also pure Garnacha from old head-pruned and dry-farmed vines from different plots in the village of San Martín de Unx on limestone-rich soils. The vines are worked organically and biodynamically, and the fermentation and work in the vineyard is with the natural yeasts and with as little intervention as possible, as they want to express the place and the conditions of the year. 2016 was a cooler year with good rain, perfect and slow ripening of the grapes that kept good acidity. The wines are fresh, floral and expressive, especially this one—it exploded with aromas of violets as I pulled the cork and decanted the wine. This has to be the most delicate, ethereal and mineral vintage of La Dama so far. It's subtle and harmonious, like a watercolor (Elisa was talking about Monet); it was expressive when opened and then closed down and was slow to open up in the glass. It's nuanced and complex, with aromas of lilies and white flowers (not only violets), notes of orange peel and a textured palate and incredible finesse, with chalky, extremely fine-grained tannins, a vibrant sensation, with electric-like sensations and a lot of light. Full of energy. 6,989 individually numbered bottles were filled in June 2018.