Fourth W. Wines Elefante Tempranillo 2016, Spanien, La Mancha, Rotwein

Castilla La Mancha: The vast, high and dry plains of Castilla la Mancha comprise over 50% of Spain’s vineyards. The ancient soils and high altitude ensures the richly flavoured fruit maintains structure and tannin. Vineyards planted on the slopes of mountain ranges in the north and north east add a degree of elegance to the wines.

Winemaking: Totally de-stemmed with a short cold soak before a long, cool fermentation with daily pump - overs to achieve optimum fruit and colour. The core of the blend was aged in stainless steel before six months maturation in seasoned French and American oak. A component of up to twenty percent Rioja Tempranillo aged in French oak  is added to the blend three months before bottling.

2016 Vintage: After several uncertain and inconsistent vintages, 2016 was a breath of rather warm air. A very hot and dry vintage with record breaking July temperatures was moderated by the high altitude of Manchuela and the age of the vineyards. Light rain and cooler weather in Autumn revitalised the vines before a trouble free harvest and outstanding, intensely flavoured fruit.

Tasting Note: The nose is lifted and expressive with an array of dark berry aromas, ground spice, earth and notes of spicy oak. The palate offers a burst of mouth-filling ripe berry flavours with varietal cherry cola and smoked spice before supple tannins and lovely fine grained savoury oak provide definition to the impressively long finish. Whilst offering excellent drinking now, it will gain complexity and character over five years of cellaring.