Lacima, Dominio do Bibei 2016

The 2016 Lacima is a selection from different vineyards with specific soils that give a strong character to the wine, which is more austere and mineral. It feels more austere and backward than the Lalama from the same vintage, which I tasted next to it. It's a Mencía-based blend with fruit from old vines that delivered very expressive and balanced juice, and it fermented in open-top barrels and matured in used barriques for 17 months. It has fine, sophisticated tannins and a seamless mouthfeel. The nose is floral and expressive, elegant and nuanced, with detail and complexity. This is stunning. It has to be the finest vintage of Lacima to date—a vintage of great balance and freshness, with all it takes for a long and positive development in bottle. It should make old bones. Bravo! 4,790 bottles and 47 magnums were filled in June 2018. Drink 2020 - 2028.