San Vicente

San Vicente Rioja DOCa - Elegant Tempranillo red wine with depth and structureSince 1991, oenologist Marcos Eguren, scion of a long-established winegrowing family in Rioja, has been producing this grape juice, which is limited to around 60,000 bottles a year. His San Vincente is the modern version of a premium Rioja that combines the best of all Spanish wine worlds. How is this to be understood? The San Vincente preserves the traditions and classic virtues of a Rioja by being aged for 20 months in wooden barrels (90% French and 10% American oak) and then bottled unfiltered. The wine is therefore guaranteed to keep for a long time. However, Marcos Eguren goes far beyond this in his approach to creating a modern and qualitatively outstanding wine; he focuses on a more fruit-driven style than is usual in Rioja.Not just any vines are used, but the noble variety of Tempranillo, namely Tempranillo Peludo, from the company's own 18-hectare Finca la Canoca vineyard, which is located on the best clay and limestone terroir. The grapes are hand-selected twice to ensure that only the best grapes make it into the wine.It is also striking that the wine is vinified with such precision and high quality that vintage fluctuations are hardly noticeable. Every year, the San Vincente is a top-class Rioja with an exceptionally good price-performance ratio.A deep, dark red color greets the eye of the wine connoisseur. Dark and some red berries, herbs, chocolate and roasted aromas on the nose. Full-bodied, fleshy on the palate, elegance and power at eye level, balanced by good acidity. The use of the barrel is noticeable, but it is never intrusive or goes too far. Lots of harmony, depth, well-integrated tannins and a very long finish.Please decant at least one hour before drinking.Guia Proensa 100/100 points; Wine Advocate 94/100 points; Tim Atkin 96/100 points.