Ukan 2020

"I’m looking for ageing potential," says Koldo Eguren of this perfumed, well-structured Tempranillo from two parcels in Laguardia, Valderromán and El Estado, planted in 1945 and 1966 respectively. Aged in one third new wood, it's a focused, layered style, with classic rose petal and violet aromas, chalky intensity, plum and blueberry fruit and sinewy tannins. 2024-32. 

Nicely baked dark cherries and mulberries with a hint of bay leaf, dark spices and dark chocolate. Juicy on the palate with a medium body and very fine-grained tannins. Sappy, lengthy finish to close. Nicely integrated. Drink now.

The parameters of the 2020 Ukan were very similar to those of the 2021: 14.5% alcohol, pH 3.62 and 5.23 grams of acidity, with fermentation in oak vats with selected yeasts and aging in French barriques for 16 months. The main difference, more striking here than in the second wine, was the quality of the tannins, which in 2020, were not as refined as in 2021. They gave the wine a touch of earthiness and rusticity. The 2020s are approachable but call for food. 15,300 bottles and 400 magnums produced. It was bottled in May 2022.