FINCA LA EMPERATRIZ CRIANZA 2015

They softened the extraction and the use of oak with the 2015 Finca la Emperatriz Crianza, and it shows. They want the wines from the La Emperatriz estate to be longer rather than wider, while the new Las Cenizas (from Cenicero) is more voluptuous. This Crianza will not be released until June 2018 to give it some more time in bottle. It's a blend of Tempranillo with 4% Garnacha, 3% Viura and 1% Graciano from different plots, fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and matured in 80% American and 20% French oak barrels for 12 months. It's ripe and open and a little grapey. The palate is medium-bodied with abundant, slightly chalky tannins that might require more time and/or powerful food. 28th Feb 2018