They are going for lower yields and less bottles of the 2020 La Montesa and slowly putting prices up, as they feel the wine is more serious than what the perception of the affordable price makes it. 2020 is a powerful vintage; it's structured and textured, the oak is very nicely integrated (12 months in barrel, but the powerful wine absorbed it completely), and it's powerful with 14% alcohol and a pH of 3.55, a little darker than in previous years. The tannins are very fine with a subtle chalky texture. There were 2,319 barrels that resulted in 672,000 bottles, 10,000 magnums and some larger and smaller formats. It was bottled from April 2022.

The modern-inspired 2020 La Montesa is a blend of 90% Garnacha and 10% other red varieties sourced from Monte Yerga in Alfaro, Rioja Oriental. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, this infusion-like wine boasts a purple-red color. Its enticing, earthy-reductive nose presents notes of blood and our cherry, intertwined with herbal and grapefruit undertones. The palate is precise and exhilarating, with a lean and taut profile that vibrates with a juicy, chalky mouthfeel, all balanced on a refreshing core-an alluring, flavorful red.

This fresh, appealing red shows fine balance, with light tannins trimming flavors of ripe cherry and roasted fig, plus accents of toast, Earl Grey, red licorice and warm spices. Minerally finish. Drink now through 2030. 55,833 cases made, 2,900 cases imported.