Dark ruby in colour with a red rim, this LBV brings dark chocolate aromas to the foreground, along with fruits of the forest and a spicy character. It offers medium weight on the palate with firm structure and acidity providing superb freshness and ending in a spicy, warming finish. The wine is drinking beautifully now, with great freshness and primary fruit in evidence, but it will also benefit from further cellaring for a couple of decades.

2017 will be remembered for its intense heat and record low levels of rainfall. In spite of the dry weather, flowering and bud burst developed under good conditions, and in August and September the high day temperatures and cool nights allowed for even and gradual ripening. The decision to start harvesting early, at optimum ripeness, allowed us to harvest grapes in ideal condition, with fantastic natural acidity. At the Vale de Mendiz winery, harvest began on 24 August under perfect weather conditions, with musts displaying intense colour and a powerful character. The last grapes were harvested on 26 September.