2014 Manda Huevos Tinto

Garnacha, Moristel, Bobal and Garnacha Blanca. The vineyard is in Villarroya village within Calatayud but the producer had to make this wine outside the appellation. It comes from two different plots, one planted in 1908 and the other in 1970. Fermentation in open vats and 10 months maturing in egg-shaped cement vessels. No oak used. Unconventional-tasting for a Garnacha, fruit seems to be hidden and the nose is reserved. Tight and austere on the palate, it doesn't have a stereotypically sweet-driven palate. Without defects but nervous and restrained. I would love to follow its evolution, as it seems to be too young now. (FC)

A single-vineyard red, the 2014 Manda Huevos Tinto Caña Andrea is a blend of Garnacha, Moristel, Bobal and Garnacha Blanca sold without appellation of origin even if the vines are within the limits of Calatayud. It's an old-vine red from two parcels with the same name with an extension of 1.5 hectares between both parcels. The upper part, planted in 1908, contains a potpourri of varieties with around 85% Garnacha Tinta Fina and the remainder a mix of Garnacha Blanca, Moristel and Bobal (known locally as Provechon). The lower part, planted in 1970, is 100% Garnacha Tinta Fina. It fermented in open vats without pumping over and aged in 900-liter, egg-shaped concrete vats with lees for some ten months. It has a Mediterranean profile, with plenty of balsamic aromas, esparto grass, thyme and rosemary intermixed with earthy sensations of graphite and earthy tannins, too. It's a powerful expression of Garnacha, with fine-grained tannins, lots of minerality and very good freshness. It's long and persistent, with a tasty, almost salty finish. This is very good, and should develop nicely in bottle. 6,300 bottles were filled in October 2015. Jun 2017, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2017-2023