Monopole Clásico Gran Reserva 2014

Going one step further in the Monopole Clásico ladder, they are now releasing a 2014 Monopole Clásico Gran Reserva. It's a selection from their Viura vineyard in the village of Villalba de Rioja vinified as the Monopole Clásico from that vintage (which was the first) fermented in cask but kept in four well-seasoned barriques and one bota (sherry butt), where the wine matured until they bottled it in July 2020. It has moderate alcohol (13%) and amazing freshness and acidity (a pH of 3.18 and 6.5 grams of acidity). They harvested very early and avoided the rains of the 2014 harvest. It's more in the style of the old Gran Reserva whites, and with the effect of the sherry cask and the addition of Manzanilla (which in this first vintage was not that much), there's lots of finesse and complexity but more in the style of the new Blanco Reserva than the Monopole Clásico. Spices, chamomile, dry flowers, dry apricots, lanolin and mushrooms (old cave). The palate is intense but light on its feet, very dry but with something that reminded me of the amazing 1939 Corona. Very original. Truly remarkable! 1,800 bottles produced. Beware of the price tag.

This is the first release, at least in modern times, of a Monopole Gran Reserva, made with a combination of Viura from vineyards at 600 metres, close to the Montes Obarenes, and 7% Manzanilla Sherry. Racy, nutty and salty, it's an unfiltered delight, with notes of citrus and almonds and a long, tangy finish. 2021-30.