VivaltuS 2018

A little closed with more mineral notes than the 2016 vintage. The very elegant nose has excellent depth and purity from the fruit, showing freshness from its blueberry and blue plum expressions. Medium-bodied on the palate with fine, polished tannins that spread across the palate. Fluid and elegant, this is quite expressive and long. Delicious now, but better in one or two more years.

The 2018 Vivaltus from Ribera del Duero was aged for up to 12 months in barrels and amphorae. Garnet in color, it opens with mint, thyme and herbs, followed by forest tones and then fruit—black cherry and plum. Dry, silky and textured with delicate chalk, it offers a long, flavorful finish of finesse and elegance. After 18 months in bottle, it has gained greater complexity and nuance.

Muscular, slate-hewn tannins, this has a rugged quality where nothing is overpowered by oak and yet it hugs the palate, making its presence felt. Serious tannic architecture that softens through the mid palate to show creamy raspberry and red cherry fruits, spiced aniseed, fennel and liqourice root, sinewy tannins, totally moreish. Aged in 25% new oak, 10% amphora, and the rest in neutral barrels. Jean-Claude and Jeff Berrouet consultants, with winemaker Montxo Martinez and owners Marcos and Carlos Yllera. Old vine Tempranillo, including some dating right back to pre-Phylloxera, sat at between 750m and 1000m altitude, from a selection of their own vines, and those of local growers.