Valdegatiles 2016 con Estuche de Madera

Valdegatiles is a north facing, 1.09-hectare parcel on clay and limestone soils at 930 metres and tends to produce comparatively plush, textured, well structured wines by Soria's standards. Backward and a little closed, it has impressive density, understated power, lots of thyme and lavender perfume and dark berry fruit. 2023-32.

The most structured and powerful of the single vineyards is the 2016 Valdegatiles, where the fruit is black rather than red, but the wine keeps very good freshness. Here, the soils have more clay than in any of the other vineyards, and they are deeper and at a lower altitude on the valley floor. The vines get more water, so the wine is both more powerful but also very fresh. The tannins are fine-grained, and there's very good balance. It should develop nicely and slowly in bottle. 1,476 bottles produced. It was bottled in September 2018.

Really mineral and precise, with oyster shells, plums, blueberries and an enticing black-pepper note. A medium-to full-bodied palate with dusty, melted tannins that are so seamless, though not yet fully woven into the fruit. Needs some time to integrate more. Long and delicious. 100% tinto fino. Better from 2024.