2019 red wine cuvee, dry, 14% vol., Finca Villacreces

A blend of 86% Tempranillo, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Merlot. Aged for 14 months in French oak barrels, it offers notes of mocha, toasted bread, cassis, and blueberries on the palate, with lovely spice and well-integrated tannins. It is full-bodied and has a long finish. Awarded 91 points by Wine Spectator, 92/100 by Robert Parker, and 93 points by Guia Penin. This relatively young winery was founded in 1994 and is a direct neighbor of the legendary Vega Sicilia estate. Finca Villacreces produces only red wine. The 60 hectares of vineyards were planted in the 1970s and are 80% Tempranillo, known locally as Tinto Fino. The remaining 15% is Cabernet Sauvignon, and the remaining 5% is Merlot. For the aging of the wines, barriques are sourced from two important French coopers.