My favourite vineyards in Spain are in the remote valley of Atauta in Ribera del Duero. There are dozens of micro plots here with low yielding Tempranillo bush vines over 100 years old. I have written more about this in an older blog. Most of the grapes end up with Dominio de Atauta, the winery at the entrance of the valley. I have just been drinking the 2016 Dominio de Atauta Llanos del Almendro, one of their four single vineyard wines. 2016 is an ideal vintage in Atauta, with above average rainfall in the first half of the season, and a dry second half, ideal for the 140 year old vines. Accompanying the wine bottle was a little brochure, which happens with quite a few premium wines. This one has the perfect layout to describe the terroir and special nature of the wine. It is simple and to the point.
This is what it says:
page 1: overall wine characteristic
page 2: place of Llanos delo Almendro amonst different terroirs
page 3: Atauta valley features
page 4: altitude and plot locations (920m)
page 5: soil profile (sand over calcareous rock)
page 6: climate (high day and night temperature variation, windy)
page 7: biodynamic management
page 8: harvest statistic and winemaking
page 9: all this leads to wine with finesse and elegance
page 10: 2016 vintage characteristics
I wish every winemaker would describe premium wines in this way. Now on to the wine.
This wine opens up with black cherry, blackcurrant, and some earthy flavours. Oak (20% new) is noticeable, but well integrated. This is a full-bodied wine, powerful and with intense flavours. It delivers a full, slightly dense mouthfeel. At the same time, this wine is sophisticated and elegant. Crisp acidity, and silky and firm tannins prepare you for a long and lasting finish.
This is a profound wine. It's velvety texture gives it something aristocratic. I highly recommend this wine (it is not easy to find).
Score: 96/+++
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