El Tamboril, Comando G 2021

The 2021 El Tamboril Tinto felt closed and austere like no other wine from the portfolio. This single vineyard from the village of Navatalgordo, the most austere and cold of the villages where they work, is also the highest altitude where they work. After years of working the vineyard, they were able to buy it in 2021; and in 2022, they made even bigger changes in the viticulture (they put in individual sticks for each vine). At 1,200 meters above sea level, this is the coldest place in the coldest vintage, and the soils are as rocky and mineral as it gets. This is a serious and mineral red with a moderate 13.5% alcohol, great freshness and acidity and a palate with very fine, chalky, Barolo-like tannins that make you salivate. It should develop in bottle for a loooooong time. 1,3,42 bottles were filled in April 2023.

A little more brambly here with wild raspberries, pomegranate seeds and some fresh grapefruit. Broader, chalky and vertical tannins here with an extensive finish. More of a Barolo stye. Better from 2026.