Finca La Emperatriz Tinto 2018

Very much a reflection of its cool, almost marginal terroir, this is one of the best Viñedo Singular reds. Made from Tempranillo with 20% Garnacha and 4% Viura, it's a subtle, chiselled, graceful red with racy acidity, stony minerality, floral top notes and a core of red cherry and pomegranate fruit. 2023-35.

The wine labeled in 2016 as Gran Vino and in 2017 as Viñedo Singular has finally been simplified to 2018 Finca la Emperatriz Tinto with the category of Viñedo Singular, the new official single-vineyard category. It's a modern, clean and generously oaked blend of 76% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and 4% Viura from vines worked organically from 2020, with 14.5% alcohol, good freshness and balance. It fermented in concrete and matured in 60% new French barriques and 40% used American ones for 18 months. This is a vin de garde that needs time in bottle to finish integrating the oak. As with the white, the 2016 is evolving more gracefully than the 2017 (tasted from half bottles, so perhaps not the best data point...). 32,544 bottles and some other formats were filled in August 2020.

A deep nose, full of blackberries, dark plums, black pepper, cedar and some dark spices and smoke. This is broad but juicy and elegant on the palate, framed with a wealth of refined tannins. Long, subtle and dry finish. 76% tempranillo, 20% garnacha and 4% viura. Drink or hold.