Valtuille Vitoriana, Bodegas Castro Ventosa 2019

The second vintage of La Vitoriana here, the 2019 Valtuille La Vitoriana fermented in a 1,000-liter oak vat and matured in a 500-liter oak barrel—different from the 2018, which matured in a smaller barrel. Perhaps the ratio of oak to wine has played well for this wine, which feels more elegant and harmonious, fresher and less concentrated. The ripeness is a little lower here than in the 2018; the old vines with low yields tend to ripen quickly, so you have a short window to pick the grapes. This finished with 13.4% alcohol and has a medium body with fine, chalky tannins. Really impressive. 620 bottles produced.