Sonsierra El Rincon de los Galos Rioja Vinedo Singular 2017 75cl in Gift Box, Rioja, Spain

The new Vinedos Singulares classification, introduced from the 2017 harvest, is the highest designation of quality for the wines of Rioja. Bodegas Sonsierra, Tim Atkin MW's 2022 Rioja Co-operative of the Year, boasts nine of these special designation vineyards. More than any other producer. To qualify for this classification, vineyards must be at least 35 years old, with yields set 20% lower than for the rest of the Rioja DOCa. The grapes picked to make these wines are therefore highly concentrated.

El Rincon de los Galos is situated on a mountain pass on stony soils. The vineyard was planted with goblet-trained vines in 1947 and is situated on a hill at 490m above sea level, with a slight 8% incline facing perfectly south. After de-stemming, the grapes are fermented in stainless steel before the wine is matured in French barriques for 18 months.

The wine is deep garnet red in colour with a violet rim. Concentrated, elegant and complex on the nose. Maximum expression of the perfect harmony between fruit and wood: blackberries, black fruit, liquorice, notes of coffee, chocolate and hints of minerals. It is a silky and enveloping wine that fills the mouth. Endowed with velvety tannins, with an incredibly long finish, full of nuances due to the mixture of fruity and mineral aromas wrapped in the subtle notes of wood.

96pts Tim Atkin MW

Only 2,016 bottles released.