Artadi Rioja El Carretil 2019

98 points/’Podium Award,’ Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine: “(tempranillo). Complex, fruity. Colour: bright cherry. Nose: red berry notes, ripe fruit, expressive, elegant, varietal, spicy. Palate: flavourful, elegant, round, long, easy to drink, complex. (2022)”

96+ points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): “[$230 list] The 2019 El Carretil was produced with Tempranillo from a plot of 3.64 hectares planted in the village of Laguardia at three different times—1930, 1975 and 1988—on limestone, sandstone and silt soils with up to 18% active limestone. It fermented in open-top oak vats and went through malolactic fermentation in barrel, where it was kept for nine months. It’s mineral, it has energy and tension, it’s not heavy, and it has freshness and acidity. It’s serious and has very fine, abundant tannins and great balance that should make it age nicely in bottle. 5,000 bottles were filled in June 2021. Drink: 2022-2030. (Dec 2021)”