Atalaya Almansa La Atalaya del Camino 2017

91+ points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): “The 2017 La Atalaya del Camino is a blend of 85% Garnacha Tintorera and 15% Monastrell from dry-farmed, head-pruned vines planted on limestone soils averaging 45 years of age from a particularly dry year that resulted in an early harvest of healthy and concentrated grapes. This unmistakably Mediterranean red is ripe with 15% alcohol but with freshness after fermenting in open-top stainless steel vats with neutral yeasts. The wine matured for 12 months in French barrique, where it also underwent malolactic. It’s super aromatic and fruit-driven, quite spectacular, even exotic with a smoky and meaty touch. It has depth and complexity and the old-vine concentration with bittersweet and very interesting flavors. Heady, juicy, ripe and very satisfying, it should be quite long lived. It was bottled in March 2019. Drink: 2020-2024. (Sep 2020)”

91 points James Suckling: “Dark fruit with dark tea and hints of mahogany on the nose. Full body. Dense and very rich with walnut and gum-tree flavors. Juicy finish. A rich and decadent wine. Drink now. (7/26/19)”