Otazu Altar 2015

The 2015 Altar de Otazu is a pure Cabernet Sauvignon matured in French oak barrels for 18 months. This is really a wine from a different era; it's dark, with ripe Cabernet aromas and flavors and comes from a place in the valley where information has been written about the suitability for Cabernet (perhaps more Cabernet Franc) in the zone. This is a varietal, but in the future, there will be a Merlot varietal Altar. It's ripe without excess, generous and with abundant oak, in the style from that time, with some tannins still present. 2015 was a very good vintage, and the wine, in its style, is very good. It still feels young and in need of powerful food and/or more time in the bottle. 3,663 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2017.

Ripe and fruity character here, with dark and blue-fruit aromas and hints of baking spices and wet stones. Medium-to full-bodied with a polished texture. The tannins still show some grip, but are getting softer with age. Seamless and lingering, with a warming finish. Drink or hold.