La Casilla "Estrecha" Bodegas Vinedos Ponce 2013 (750ML)

"The wine name estrecha"" means narrow, as in the vineyard rows are narrower. Such is the case with the vineyards from which the wine comes. It is planted with 1,700 plants per hectare whereas the normal is 1,100. The 2013 La Casilla Estrecha is the latest-ripening of Ponce's Bobal vineyards, and for him the most elegant of his wines. In 2013 he harvested very late with moderate alcohol levels and good acidity, the wines have less color, more freshness and feel lighter, but for sure they are more aromatic, approachable and elegant. He finds some similarities between 2013 and 2010. As with the rest of reds the full clusters ferment with indigenous yeasts in oak vats and the wine ages in used 600-liter oak barrels. Despite all the reds being Bobal, in reality old vineyards like this one, which is around 75 years of age, are planted with a small percentage of white grapes (Marisancho) and other reds, Rojal and Moravia Agria, all of which go into the fermentation vats together and add elegance and freshness. This north-facing plot produced one of the most aromatic wines of the vintage. This has more in common with the La Casilla than with P.F. and rightly so; they have the same soils, degraded chalk, it has floral aromas but it feels more serious, with more complexity, more nuances and increased minerality. The palate is medium-bodied, with some tannins and good acidity in the background, which makes it very long. I tasted the 2008 vintage which is developing aromas of black olives and have a Northern Rhône accent, a possibility of how these wines are going to develop. Mindboggling quality for such price....94"" Luis Gutierrez, WA 2/15"

94 Points, James Suckling: “Notes of cracked black pepper and blueberry on the nose. Some granite and stone too. Full body, firm and chewy tannins and a long, long finish. This is made with pure bobal from a parcel from a single vineyard on limestone soils. Powerful finish. Excellent value. Drink or hold� 07/16