2012 - Artadi Carretil, Rioja

Possibly the best of the "new" single vineyards, the 2012 El Carretil is the only wine that might challenge the supremacy of El Pisón. This is a pure Tempranillo from soils richer in calcium carbonate that produces more austere tannins and a different, chalky texture. Analytically, this wine is always more acidic (lower pH than any of the rest). The nose is austere and a little closed, it takes time to start revealing its aromas as the character is more backward. Here the oak is perfectly integrated (and all these wines mature for 14 months in brand new French oak barrels and never come through as oaky), serious and mineral. It's not a fruit-driven wine, it talks more about the soil, compact, serious and a bit taciturn. The palate is solid, with great consistency, austere and with chalky tannins. It is vertical, straight, slippery and elegant but still very young and in need of time to develop more complexity in bottle. The entry is sharp but then it seems to gain volume as it warms up inside your mouth, growing like the incredible Hulk; a gentle giant, incisive and pure. It could be drunk now but it should blossom with some more time in the bottle. It has great acidity and the combination of stuffing, acidity and balance will secure a long, slow development. The acidity cleanses the palate but at the same time makes it very long. We all know about El Pisón, but we should also pay attention to El Carretil. 4,000 bottles produced.

Opaque ruby. Vibrant smoke- and mineral-tinged black raspberry, cherry-cola, Indian spice and vanilla scents show wonderful clarity and lift. Intense red and dark berry preserve flavors reach every corner of the palate, picking up a sexy floral note with aeration. Rich yet vibrant Rioja with outstanding finishing thrust, great persistence and smooth tannins that build slowly and harmoniously.