Abadia Retuerta Pago Negralada Tempranillo 2018 Wine (75cl)

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Reminiscent of the 2016, the 2018 Pago Negralada has a mixture of red and black fruit, some spices and firm but fine-grained tannins that give it tension and a chalky sensation in the texture. It has 14.5% alcohol and good freshness and balance. It matured in one-third new oak. In general, the 2018s have less color than the corresponding 2019s, but it's more noticeable in this single-vineyard Tempranillo. It feels varietal and complex, with some development and notes of berries, spices and brick dust, serious, subtle and harmonious. The palate reveals the austerity of the vintage and the place, and it is medium to full-bodied, with fine tannins. It reminds me of the wines from the Duero from yesteryear. A vintage like the ones from the past? Rating: 94 Lovely blue and purple fruit with a hint of violets, bergamot and cocoa powder. This is complex and fluid on the palate with a medium to full body with lots of blue fruit in the very long, elegant finish. Delicious now, but can hold, too. The 2018 Tempranillo Pago de Negralada (from a single vineyard in DO Abadía Retuerta, Sardón del Duero) was 60% aged in French oak barrels, with the remainder kept in stainless steel vats. Purple in hue. The aromas feature blackberry, blackcurrant, mint and hazelnut in a cedar frame. The palate is dry and plush with reactive tannins and a juicy flow. The 2018 is a restrained, substantial wine.