A fascinating blend of Juan Garcia (Mouratón), Tinta Madrid (Tempranillo), and several indigenous varieties from the area, from a parcel of 100-130 yr old vines. This unique parcel is located in a national park (Parque Natural de Los Arribes del Duero), and is primarily composed of granitic and sandy soils. Laura found the vineyard after beginning a hunt for Mouraton, and discovering an old farmer named Angel Mayor, who encouraged her to work with the grape, which is disappearing in the region, and is often sold in bulk for commercial wine production, where it becomes part of a blend. Partially de-stemmed, with 12 days of maceration and fermentation in a combination of large chestnut barrels and stainless steel. Aging is for 11 months in chestnut barrels. This wine is wild and pure, expressing aromas that confuse and delight my neural signals. I wrote in my initial tasting note that it's "more fun than a waterslide." Zippy, chiseled, stony and fresh, with a long mineral finish. The aromas are lithe, and range from allspice to rose petals. A real trip, and a very special red from a young DO (Arribes del Duero) that is rarely seen stateside.
