Two plots of 45 and 80 years old combine to produce this village blend of Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha and a little Viura and Calagraño, all from Labastida. A step up from its San Vicente equivalent, this has chalky freshness and intensity, sappy bramble and black cherry fruit and layered tannins. 2024-30
Deep purplish ruby colour, full of brambly, dark fruit and pencil shavings on the nose. This is a powerful, dense wine in terms of fruit but it has such a saline freshness underneath. The palate has chalky, persistent tannins that tightly frame the exuberant fruit at the core. With air, herbal, graphite tones akin to Cabernet Franc start to shine through, blending beautifully with the dark fruit at the core. Layered, precise and long on the finish, this is impressive. No extended new oak ageing here, as with all Jose Gil's cuvées, and the wine is all the better for it. This should appeal to right bank Bordeaux lovers, especially those who like St Emilion with a good hit of Franc in it.
