La Mateo Colección de Familia Garnacha Cepas Viejas 2015

Sourced from the oldest vineyards they have and produced with the grape that thrives in the zone where they are, the 2015 La Mateo Colección de Familia Garnacha "Cepas Viejas" achieved 15.29% alcohol with a low pH (3.25), remarkable acidity (6.6 grams of tartaric acid per liter) and almost four grams of residual sugar. It fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel vats and matured in brand new French barriques for 15 months, racked every four months. It was my favorite of the range, even if it felt a little too oaky and might need some more time in bottle to absorb the effect of the élevage. The palate is medium-bodied, with flavors of juicy fruit and fine-grained tannins, quite tasty and with good freshness. 2,600 bottles were filled in April 2017. - Luis Gutiérrez.

Garnacha can be quite alcoholic, so it’s worth considering this special bottling, aged for 18 months in French barrique and weighing in at an impressive 15%, yet still silky and supple, with red and black fruits dancing an impressive pas de deux. The oak, previously prominent, shows all signs of making a dignified strategic retreat. All in all, promising.