Arrayan Estela de Arrayan, Mentrida, Spain

阿若雅酒莊埃斯特拉·德·阿若雅紅葡萄酒

點擊次數(shù)：591

The 2019 Estela de Arrayán is a blend that changes with the year. In the warm and dry 2019, it is 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Syrah, 20% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot with 14.03% alcohol. The varieties were blended and then aged in French oak barrels for 17 months. It feels unusually perfumed and grapey, with an approachable, soft texture and fine tannins coming through as juicy and balanced, and it is fresh and easy to drink. I think it shows remarkably well for the warm year. Only 894 bottles were filled in March 2021.

The red blend 2018 Estela de Arrayán was produced with 35% Syrah, 26% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. It has the herbal nose of the Bordeaux varieties, bell pepper and black peppercorns intermixed with grapey sensations, with good ripeness (14.03% alcohol) and very tasty flavors reminiscent of paprika and ripe berries. This is quite classical and very good in its style; of course, it's not from Gredos or with a Gredos style. It matured in French oak for 17 months. Only 805 bottles were filled in March 2020.

The 2016 Estela de Arrayán is a blend of 60% Syrah, 15% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot with 14.5% alcohol; it matured in French oak barrels for 17 months. This has notes of ripe berries and is a bit grapey, with Mediterranean herbs and much better-integrated spicy and smoky notes from the élevage than in past vintages. It's medium to full-bodied, with abundant, slightly dusty tannins and a more international profile—powerful, with ripe flavors and a dry finish. It needs powerful food and/or more time in bottle. 953 bottles were filled in June 2018.

The top of the range is the 2010 Estela de Arrayán, which is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot that matured in brand new French barriques for 17 months. The nose is quite muted, and at least the oak does not seem to dominate. There is a shy mixture of ripe berries and spices with a lactic touch. Again the varietal that comes through stronger on the nose is the Syrah, with some smoky bacon and tapenade aromas. The palate is full-bodied and the oak feels nicely integrated. A powerful, ripe, generously oaked but balanced international blend. 2,295 bottles.

The 2008 Estela de Arrayan is a blend of 60% Syrah, 15% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot that sees 17 months in new French oak. It has a well-defined bouquet of kirsch, balsamic and pressed flowers that opens nicely with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a soy-tinged entry, firm structure with burnt toast and spice towards the finish that feels just a little forced. Drink now-2015. Importer: Vino Cava LLC, Wayne, PA; tel. (610) 688-8415