2012 Capellania Reserva Blanco

The single-vineyard 2012 Capellanía was cropped from a balanced year, pretty good for long-lived wines. This is pure Viura/Macabeo from the higher altitude plot (at 485 meters) within the Ygay estate, planted with old vines on stony, clay and limestone soils. The clean juice fermented in stainless steel tanks at 10 degrees Celsius, and the wine matured in new French oak barriques for 15 months. Surprisingly enough, this has higher acidity and lower pH than the 2013 I tasted next to it. The wine also shows better freshness, and it feels very complete, harmonious, tasty and long. This is a traditional, oak-aged white from Rioja updated with some modern touches. 30,514 bottles were filled in March 2016.

100% Viura. Compact, closed nose with more spiciness emerging on the palate, but undeniable oxidation to the fruit, which leaves an unfresh, hoppy finish. (RH)