Veraton 2012 75cl

Bodegas Alto Moncayo started in 2001 as a collaboration between importer Jorge Ordoñez, American importer Dan Phillips, Australian winemaker Chris Ringland and others. Located near the town of Borja, the 210 acres of vineyards are head-pruned, old Grenache vines planted at 3,000 feet above sea level in poorly nourished soils of slate, clay, chalk and quartzite. They make a number of cuvées, the most famous being the more expensive Alto Moncayo and the Aquilon. Their inexpensive offering is the 2012 Veraton, a 100% Grenache aged in 60% new French and 40% American oak for 17 months before being bottled without filtration. It is a powerful, full-throttle, pedal-to-the-metal red boasting a dense purple color, and a sweet blackcurrant and black cherry fruit, lavender, licorice and earth notes intermixed with a touch of new oak. Stylistically, this is a modern, massively intense, rich wine that over-delivers in many ways. However, it is not for consumers looking for shy, restrained and delicate wines. It should drink well for a decade.

Smoky and toasty notes frame plum, blackberry and cola flavors in this rich red. The texture is plush, but light tannins and balsamic acidity lend focus. An expressive, modern style. Drink now through 2018. 2,000 cases made.