2015 was a warmer and riper year, so it was interesting to taste the single-vineyard 2015 Amancio next to other 2016s. It fermented in 1,000-liter oak vats and was foot trodden for the first six days. It then matured in brand new French oak barrels for 24 months. The character of the vintage is quite obvious in the wine, and the oak seems to have marked the wine more. It feels spicy and toasty, with balsamic and creamy notes and an unusual touch of marzipan, already developing tertiary notes of balsam and incense. This is a powerful wine, with plenty of tannins and a dry, astringent finish. This is more backward and less approachable than the 2016s; it needs some more time in bottle to polish those edges that currently give it a more rustic character. Give it time. 4,000 bottles were filled in February 2018.

A generous and refined red, brimming with black currant and black cherry notes, underscored by espresso, violet and olive details that evolve into baking spice, loamy earth and tea accents on the lengthy finish. Harmonious and balanced. Drink now through 2032. 400 cases made, 35 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add