El Rapolao 2019

2019 > 94 puntos

The new kid on the block this time is the 2019 El Rapolao, from one of the best-known crus of Valtuille, because there are different producers making wine from it and selling it with the name of the place. The one from Vinos Valtuille comes from two plots that have been in the family and have a northern exposition. It fermented 50% in used barrels with full clusters and 50% destemmed in stainless steel. It matured in used 225-liter French oak barrels for eight months. It has moderate ripeness, lower alcohol than the majority of its siblings (13.6%) and more freshness and acidity. It feels more elegant and has more harmony and less rusticity than the rest of the range, with some notes of iron and fine tannins. 1,800 bottles produced. It was bottled in August 2020. - End of January 2022, The Wine Advocate -