Veraton 2013 75cl

Their least-expensive wine, and one qualifying for this report, is the 2013 Alto Moncayo Veraton, aged in 60% new French oak and 40% new American oak for 17 months and bottled without filtration. This is a blockbuster, 100 % Old Vine Grenache cuvée, with a deep-purple color, great intensity, loads of blackcurrant and black cherry fruit, with licorice, lavender and touch of graphite and earth. It is full-bodied and powerful and I suspect tips the scales at at least 14%-14.5% alcohol. This should drink well for 5-6 years, possibly a lot longer. These wines are made by Australian winemaker Chris Ringland and emerge from one of the finest sources of Old Vine Grenache in Spain, the Bodegas Alto Moncayo. The more expensive wines are called Alto Moncayo and Aquilon. Founded in 2001 in Campo de Borja, the winery has 210 acres of primarily ancient Grenache planted on mountain hillsides, most with a southerly exposure. The soils tend to be a complex mix of clay, slate, quartz, chalk and other minerals. The youngest of the vines were planted in 1967 and the oldest vineyards date back to 1910.

Ripe cranberry and boysenberry flavors mingle with vanilla, licorice and toast notes in this expressive red. The plush texture is supported by light, firm tannins and lively acidity. Drink now through 2020. 3,000 cases made.