Viña Somoza Vía XVIII 2022

2022 / 92+ puntos

The regional red 2022 Vía XVIII uses some additional varieties—Mouratón, Grao Negro, Merenzao, Albarello—to increase the complexity of the blend. The warm year delivered a small and concentrated crop that resulted in approachable and gentle reds, but this one finished at 12.9% alcohol (through an early harvest and the additional grape varieties that ripen less). It matured in barrels of different sizes for 11 months and spent a further six months in stainless steel. It has notes of ripe berries and hints of violet pastille, bringing memories of small and concentrated grapes, decayed strawberry and some flowers. The palate is fresher because of the minerality and the tannins. This is quite impressive for the vintage. 9,956 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2024.