Congo 2015

Although I previously tasted this during my visit to the region some 16 months ago, I once again the 2015 Congo, which is made with selection of grapes from the village of El Real de San Vicente. It fermented with stems after a 10-day maceration. It matured in 500- and 600-liter oak barrels until it was bottled in January 2017. This is a wine they have only produced twice so far, in 2009 and 2015, and when they don't bottle it separately, it goes into the blend of Tres Patas. They select the best two bunches from each plant (always from the same vineyard), so it's very labor intensive. This shows the high ripeness of a very warm year (one of the warmest) with notes of candied fruit and an earthy and somewhat rustic nose. It has a full body, with juicy fruit and abundant, fine tannins. This is evolving quite slowly in bottle. 2,450 bottles produced.

There’s a touch of some jam here, but I like the energy to the wild strawberries and raspberries. Medium-bodied and soft on the palate with fine tannins, bright acidity and a fruity finish. Drink now.