HERÈNCIA ALTÉS L'ESTEL 2015, Terra Alta, Spain
Deep ruby, tight rim. Vivid and fresh nose of black(dark cherries) and red fruits(Cherries), the palate is ripe and sweetish; fruit fresh combines with well fused light oak, giving a finish filled with aromas of sweet spice(leafy) and delicate notes of roasted(savoury, dried cherreis). Dense, edging, thick texture, along with ample and friendly tannin. Full decant suggested to get the even more elegance. ABV 14.5% gives the right warmth and correct body.
How this wine is made?
Manual harvest, 18 kg crates to protect the grapes from bruising, with careful selection in the field. Cool to about 3-5 ° C for about 20-24 hours(relatively short). Skidding and treading before incubation in stainless steel tubs of 5,000 and 1,500 l oak(very minimal oak influence, with quality Taransaud, Radoux, Vicard and Moreau oak giving some variety). Maceration in the cold for about five days and fermentation for 10-15 days at Tº of 23-26º C(relatively cool). Discover and FML in oak barrels. Light clarification and filtration before bottling. All fermentation is done underground with natural heat and temperature, therefore the palate feels even More life. Fruit shines through as only large, used 5000 and 2500 liters big barrels are used to minimize the surface effect and wood scent with the philosophy of making long cries, so the wine is serene, fruity, and polished.
Heréncia Altés is a producer from Batea, Terra Alta(meaning higher land, Catalonia) with 50 hectares of vineyards. Some 18 of these 50 ha are between 95 and 100-year-old vines, hence the intensity and complexity of fruit.
Claude Gros is a FLying wine maker. He indeed has been making some of the wines in your cellar, for example, Labegorce and Marquis D'alesme (Margaux), La Riviere (Fronsac), La Fleur Morange (St Emilion Grand Cru Classé!!), and the famous range from Domaine Thunevin Calvet. For Burgundies, Olivier Bernstein Burgundy Grands Crus, Domaine Pierre Cros and internationally Seasmoke Cellars (California) !! With the accolades and these qualifications under his belt, his wines include this HERÈNCIA ALTÉS L'ESTEL 2015 has got to be a wine that reflects the terroir with the modern and international styles.
The best score is JS94, who comments as follows:
A polished and very resolved wine in a flavorsome dark berry fruited guise with gently leafy and savory elements. The palate has deeply ripe and velvety tannins carrying spiced dried cherry flavor. Best from 2020.
