El Chibirique 2016

I already tasted the single-vineyard red 2016 El Chibirique, which was harvested early to compensate for a warm year and achieved half a degree less alcohol than the previous vintage. They used 30% full clusters this time and extended the élevage to 11 months in used 500-liter oak casks. It felt a little reductive, so a little bit of time in the bottle could be a good idea, and if you're pulling the cork soon, give it an energetic decanting. There is incredible finesse, filigree, detail and texture here—a big improvement in quality from the 2015, which was almost an experimental wine, as it used to contribute to the blend of the 7 Fuentes. Another great single-vineyard Listán from Suertes. 1,300 bottles were filled in October 2017.

Quite funky from reduction at first, easily typical of these wines, but a slew of ripe red-fruit aromas quickly emerge with a little aeration. Serious, but fine-grained tannins build beautifully through the long finish, which is full of herbal and mineral notes. Drink or hold.