Vijariego Negro, Ignios Origenes, 2018

The 2018 Ignios Origenes Vijariego Negro wants to be the elegant expression of the variety through a soft vinification and elevage in large foudres that respect the purity of the wine and do not impact the aromatics and flavors. The vines were planted in 2006 but were badly handled until around 2012. The destemmed grapes fermented in stainless steel, and the wine matured, including malolactic, in a 1,500-liter oak foudre. It has an earthy note that makes me think of wet clay, and it's pungent and spicy, showing hints of cloves, balsamic and a little medicinal. It's quite complex and develops nicely in the glassnotes of licorice and ink emerge after a good hour and a half in the glass. This is somewhat darker than previous vintages. There are always some grainy tannins here; it's more powerful than it might seem at first. It's approachable but should also be long lived. 1,900 bottles and 24 magnums produced. It was bottled in February 2020.