2018 Pesquera Janus Gran Reserva
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Tasting notes
The producer’s top wine, first made in 1992 (the year it changed its methods of winemaking from its old original site to a new winery still in existence today), the 2018 Janus is not made every year. It’s an homage to the classic wines of the region and to the winery itself, named for a Roman/Greek god, one looking to the past and one to the future. From one vineyard site called La Rendeja littered in white limestone soils, it is extremely refined and highly structured, with an essential imprint of American oak. Powerful tannins with a touch of rusticity support a full-bodied core of black licorice and vanilla that lead to a smooth, velvety finish. Aged 28 months in barrel, it should hold its grace another 30-40 years. It’s a complete wine and rare, with no certainty around when another Janus might be produced.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Don’t be put off by the full swing of oak overlay here, showing plenty of hazelnuts, pinecones, sweet spices and vanilla characters. There is also a streak of minerality alongside the deep and fresh blackberries with a hint of tar. Tons of dusty tannins on the full-bodied palate with juicy berries, before an extremely long and creamy finish with vanilla, blueberries and orange peel at the end. Not a subtle wine, but it flatters with its exuberance, and it has a lot to offer. (ZS)
Slightly muddy crimson. Slightly indistinct nose but it’s a fair Ribera and is easy to like now. (JR)