El Escolladero, Rioja,

One of the two “Grand Cru” single vineyards in the range, a 0.95 hectare site in Abalos planted in 1950. Unaffected by frost in 2017 as the elevation averages 660m. Predominantly pale, limestone soils planted to 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano, which are co-fermented. Wow, a big step up in terms of mouthfeel and concentration, with deep complex sensations and profound fruit with immense length, grip and intensity. It is a wine that draws equally from the registers of fruit, earth and flowers. A slightly untrammelled quality makes it even more enticing, buoyed by crisp acidity and fine boned tannins. Aged only in used barrels to produce a mere 1,200 bottles.