Phinca San Julián 2019

The only red in a Bordeaux bottle is the 2019 Phinca San Julián, from 0.5 hectares of very old vines located on top of a hillside, on terraced slopes surrounded only by rambling brush on a very steep slope. It's a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano and other grapes and was aged in new 225-liter oak barrels for two years. It's ripe, juicy and lush at 14.5% alcohol, with high acidity and a very balsamic nose that I find in many wines here. The nose is reminiscent of vermouth, spicy and herbal, with notes of cola nut, nutmeg, cinnamon and aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme. The palate is fresh and somewhat austere, with fine-grained tannins and lively acidity. 1,248 bottles were filled in February 2022

Not quite at the same level as the Struggling Vines whites, although there is no shame in that, this red hails from a biodynamically farmed, 0.6-hectare plot in Laguardia and is an assemblage of Tempranillo with 14% Graciano, 7% Viura and 2% Garnacha Blanca. Firm and savoury, with tar and rose petal notes that are reminiscent of Barolo, dark berry fruit and a balsamic lift. 2024-29