El Chano 2018

The 2018 El Chano feels tighter and a little oakier than the 2016, which impressed me a lot when I first tasted it. This is more concentrated and powerful, a different profile even if it was produced with more or less the same vineyards—where there is a field blend of Mencía, Alicante Bouschet, Prieto Picudo and Palomino—that are in the process of being converted to organic. It fermented with 50% full clusters in oak vats and matured in 500-liter oak barrels and concrete vats for 14 months. This reached 14% and has moderate acidity, a medium to full-bodied palate and some dusty tannins. It needs powerful food. I'd wait one more year. 7,353 bottles and 250 magnums produced. It was bottled in May 2020. - Luis Gutiérrez.