The 2010 Vina El Pison, one of the first single-vineyard wines in Rioja, is sourced from the Tempranillo vines planted by Juan Carlos Lopez de Lacalle’s grandfather in 1945. The 2.4-hectare vineyard is located in Laguardia, very close to the winery, at 480 meters above sea level. The destemmed grapes ferment in open wooden vats and the wine ages for 15 months in French oak barrels. Ever-changing in the glass, it moves from one set of aromas when just opened to the next one in a matter of minutes, switching from cherries to violets, the cinnamon turns into nutmeg, then it is raspberries, and even blood oranges. The medium-bodied palate shows great precision, tension and purity of flavors, with clean acidity and a mineral core that make it vibrant. It’s not in-your-face, it whispers, and you have to pay attention. It has great balance and harmony. The tight tannins would benefit from a little bit more time in bottle, and I’m sure the wine will age for a very long time. This is a great, world-class wine. Drink 2015-2030.
