Much has been made of the 2018 vintage in the Sierra de Gredos. Ask almost anybody and they will confidently state that 2018 is the finest vintage in the modern era for this burgeoning Spanish wine region. Regular weather throughout the season, with no extremes, led to a long, slow harvest under perfect conditions – ideal for ripening Garnacha with masses of perfume, freshness and intensity. Producing wines entirely in that style, 4 Monos is a relatively young project, one that was established first in 2010, but didn't become a full-time reality until 2016. We have sung their praises often and are delighted to see that they are increasingly recognised amongst the leading handful of producers in the region.
Samantha Cole-Johnson, part of the team at JancisRobinson.com highlighted 4 Monos’ Cien Lanzas 2018 as the website’s “Wine of the Week” on Friday and we reproduce her tasting note below. Produced from four plots in the village of Cenicentos on white and grey decomposed granite soils, elevation ranges from 830 to 960m; stats that echo in the wine’s clarity and tense, fine grained tannins. It was produced with 100% whole clusters and aged for 15 months in neutral French oak. Priced at just £19.88 inc. VAT per bottle, there is a lot of excitement to be found here.
Read MoreJoyous! Very pale ruby. Incredibly aromatic on the nose with bright red, nearly syrupy sweet cherry and menthol aromas, hibiscus and a touch of cinnamon bark. No oak influence, completely dry on the palate, gluggable fruit. Tannins are low but lend a pleasing chalkiness. Acid is refreshing and medium-plus. Dangerously drinkable at 14.5% alcohol. This is effortlessly pleasing, easy to drink and infinitely pairable with food. I do think it would be best to drink it soon; I wouldn't be willing to trade the fruit away for tertiary development. Classic patatas bravas, croquetas and jamón ibérico sound perfect. Could do with being slightly chilled. - 17pts, Samantha Cole-Johnson, JancisRobinson.com
The 2018 Cien Lanzas is aromatic and fresh, a year when they used some concrete for the fermentation. The 2018s are marked by beautiful textures, one of the finest vintages ever in the zone. It's floral, spicy and vibrant, with very fine chalky tannins that result in a long, dry and tasty finish. This matured in a 5,000-liter oak foudre, as they had more volume of wine, and aging that way is more respectful of the character of the wine than in smaller barriques. It has to be the finest vintage for this wine. 4,900 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2020. - 93pts, Luis Gutierrez, The Wine Advocate
Read the full article by Cole-Johnson here