Yavallo 2018

The single-plot red 2018 Yavallo comes from a tiny east-facing vineyard surrounded by oak trees, on red slate of volcanic origin with lots of quartz and planted with a field blend of approximately 60% Bastardo (Trousseau), 10% Tincadeira Preta, 10% Rufete, 15% of other red grapes and some 5% of white varieties. The grapes were foot trodden and fermented with indigenous yeasts, and the wine matured in 300-liter oak barrels for 12 months. The wine is only 13% alcohol and has very healthy acidity and freshness. It feels very shy and reticent, especially on the nose, a sign of a wine with a slow development and which should live for a long time in bottle. It takes time in the glass to start unfurling an array of floral and herbal aromas, with a spicy and earthy touch. It is very balanced and harmonious, with lots of energy and a more expressive palate. The tannins are very fine and leave a dry, chalky sensation with an iron-like twist in the finish. This is less Jura than the 2016, more Duero... shy and subtle, but superb! Only 856 bottles were filled in June 2020. - Luis Gutiérrez.