Rioja Vinedos en Labastida Jose Gil 2024 (750ML)

95 Points, Luis Gutiérrez, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The fourth vintage of their red village wine from Labastida is the 2024 Viñedos en Labastida, produced with grapes from different plots of very old vines ranging from 60 to 100 years of age on different soils, mostly sandy and fine, all very rich in limestone, where they have field blends of Tempranillo with Garnacha and Viura. The key is that they added a centenary plot that is almost 50% Garnacha, and it's now the backbone of the wine; so, the final blend contains almost 35% Garnacha. Labastida ripens earlier, so they harvest it first, as they have to be careful of the ripeness. It fermented in stainless steel and concrete vats with 30% full clusters and indigenous yeasts and matured in 500-liter barrels for 11 months. The nose is a little more austere and serious than the one from San Vicente, but it has nuance and complexity. It has contained ripeness and 13.5% alcohol, a medium- to full-bodied palate and fine tannins. 9,700 bottles produced. I think there is no clear winner in 2024; the two village wines show superbly. They're different and both are superb." 03/26