2017, Vivaltus, SPAIN

Delicate rose, raspberries, cherries and strawberries on the nose alongside chocolate dusting, violets and caramelised tobacco - such nuance and interest. Smooth and supple on the palate, the spiced notes hit the tongue and cheeks first as well as the intense florality which expands both vertically and horizontally. You get layers of flavour and detail with a medicinal herbal edge. It's quite hefty in its intensity, rich with power and concentration but there is refinement here too in the finesse of the tannins, juiciness and overall integration of all the elements. Ageing 11 months in French oak barrels. Consultant Jean Claude Berrouet. 95, Georgina Hindle, Decanter.

The wine is floral, perfumed, elegant and insinuating; the oak feels pretty integrated, and the palate is balanced with very good tannins (not as refined as those form the 2016 or 2018). A triumph over the adverse conditions of the vintage. 94 Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate (2021).

Drinking Window: 2021 - 2027