Palacios Remondo : La Montesa 2020

They are going for lower yields and less bottles of the 2020 La Montesa and slowly putting prices up, as they feel the wine is more serious than what the perception of the affordable price makes it. 2020 is a powerful vintage; it's structured and textured, the oak is very nicely integrated (12 months in barrel, but the powerful wine absorbed it completely), and it's powerful with 14% alcohol and a pH of 3.55, a little darker than in previous years. The tannins are very fine with a subtle chalky texture. There were 2,319 barrels that resulted in 672,000 bottles, 10,000 magnums and some larger and smaller formats. It was bottled from April 2022.

This fresh, appealing red shows fine balance, with light tannins trimming flavors of ripe cherry and roasted fig, plus accents of toast, Earl Grey, red licorice and warm spices. Minerally finish. Drink now through 2030. 55,833 cases made, 2,900 cases imported.

From the rainy Covid year. This vintage marks a transformation in style for La Montesa. A change to the winemaking, with 20% stems included. Mineral aromas blend with elegant red fruits. The acidity is brisk but smoothly enveloped in red cherry fruit. The palate is rounded and fleshy, with a fine, savoury finish.

The modern-inspired 2020 La Montesa is a blend of 90% Garnacha and 10% other red varieties sourced from Monte Yerga in Alfaro, Rioja Oriental. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, this infusion-like wine boasts a purple-red color. Its enticing, earthy-reductive nose presents notes of blood and sour cherry, intertwined with herbal and grapefruit undertones. The palate is precise and exhilarating, with a lean and taut profile that vibrates with a juicy, chalky mouthfeel, all balanced on a refreshing core—an alluring, flavorful red.

Medium ruby hue, with a bright and racy nose that’s full of pretty berries, redcurrants, fresh strawberries and potpourri. Medium-bodied and naturally juicy on the palate, showing lots of crunch and drinkability. Fresh, transparent and silky. Drink or hold.