El Molar 2016

"Always one of my favorite values from Spain, the 2016 El Molar, pure Garnacha from a plot that gives the wine its name, the example from the cooler 2016 showed a little riper than I expected. The vintage was in a way similar to 2013, but the 2016 showed more hints of development, and it might have been going through a closed phase when I tasted it some six months after bottling. The grapes from this sloped and north-facing plot fermented with 30% full clusters and natural yeasts and matured in used barriques for eight to 11 months. If the nose is not as expressive as expected, it's the palate that should guide you through the real character of this wine, juicy and with fine tannins and a dry finish. I tasted from two bottles that showed similar character. I found it a little awkward, and I made a note to try to taste it again the next time I review the region. Quantities are slowly growing as more vines come into production. 51,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in April 2017."

Plenty of ripe red cherries and forest berries on the fresh nose. With its solid base of rather supple tannins and generous fruit, then a rather crisp finish, this is an expressive garnacha. Drink or hold.

Color: cereza, borde violáceo. Aroma: expresión frutal, fruta roja, floral, especiado, balsámico. Boca: sabroso, frutoso, buena acidez, largo.