2019 Clio

Next to the 2018, I also tasted the 2019 Clio, a similar blend of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from a vintage marked by torrential rains caused by the DANA storm in September that delivered 200+liters of rain. It fermented in stainless steel with neutral yeasts and matured in French and American oak barrels for 23 months. It's slightly lower in alcohol than the 2018, 15.5%. I think the Cabernet was more noticeable here and it added a certain freshness to the wine, which, coupled with a little less alcohol, made the wine come through as a little cooler and more continental. All within the Chris Ringland style, of course... 50,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in September 2020.