Scala Dei Cartoixa 2017

There is more black fruit in the 2017 Cartoixa than in the 2018 I tasted next to it. This is a blend that wants to showcase the landscape of Scala Dei, a classical blend of 80% Garnacha and 20% Cariñena with good ripeness and freshness. They select some of the best parts of their vineyards for this blend, often some of the oldest vines they have, most of the Garnacha on limestone and clay soils and the Cariñena all from llicorella. There is a touch of rusticity that provides character. The vinification combines what was done before the 1980s (fermentation in concrete with some stems and aging in large oak containers) with the more modern techniques. The wine matured in a combination of 225- and 500-liter oak barrels and 1,400-liter oak foudres for almost two years. The wine is polished by the long élevage, and the spiciness of the oak is also more noticeable here than in the 2018. 14,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2019.

Pretty ripe fruit with dark berries and hints of bark and cedar, following through to a medium to full body, integrated tannins and delicious fruit at the end. Drink now.