Pago la Jara 2015

2015 saw a cold and rainy winter, but the warm and fairly dry spring was followed by a dry summer with a prolonged heat wave, so the 2015 Pago La Jara was produced with grapes that were harvested early, the same as in 2014. In fact, the harvest started on exactly the same day for both years, September 18th. They use grapes from five plots from this four-hectare vineyard that shares ownership with other producers, like Dominio del Bendito. The grapes are almost all Tinta de Toro, the local strain of Tempranillo, with a little white Albillo Mayor. The grapes, not completely destemmed, fermented in 3,000-liter oak vats and matured in a combination of 225-liter barrels and 1,500-liter oak foudres. 3,034 bottles produced.

A big and rich Toro, yet shows density and power of tannins that gives the wine chewiness and intensity on the palate. Lots of black tea and blackberries. Solid and fresh. Drink or hold.