Vijariego Negro, Ignios Origenes, 2021

Some of the grapes for the 2021 Ignios Origenes Vijariego Negro were picked a little late, and the final blend is higher in alcohol, 14%. He also did more maceration this year, and the wine has a deeper color, deeper and riper than other vintages. Perez is now wondering if he likes the riper expression of the grape better than the one from the more ethereal grapes that were picked earlier. The wine is more in the style of a Syrah from the Norther Rhone, with meat and smoky notes, which took time to show up, as it was initially closed and a bit reductive. It feels like a different expression of the grape, with some tannins that make it more powerful and calls for time in bottle and/or powerful food. The wine feels very complete, with full development of aromas and flavors. It seems to have more of everything. I have the feeling this might blossom with a few years in bottle. It's like comparing apples with pears; both 2020 and 2021 are very good vintages, but they're almost different animals. Despite my tendency to like more ethereal and elegant wines, I'll give the edge to the more powerful 2021 today. 2,657 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2022.

DRINKING WINDOW 2025 - 2031

date of review 11/2023