critic reviews
Opaque ruby. An expressive bouquet evokes ripe red and dark berries, licorice, mocha and woodsmoke, and a spicy note builds in the glass. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering appealingly sweet blackberry, cherry cola and lavender pastille flavors that are sharpened by a peppery nuance. Smooth tannins come in late on a long, dark-fruit-driven finish, which leaves a subtle touch of vanilla behind.
The 2017 Aalto was a surprise for the vintage. They had to select the grapes from their own vineyards, and they produced less wine. It feels a little lighter and fresher, more approachable at this point in time. The oak also seems to be more integrated. It's a very drinkable Aalto in its style. They only used some 20% new oak and possibly did a softer vinification. It's approachable now, but it should also develop nicely in bottle, as the year had more acidity. 220,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2019.