Lindes de Remelluri Viñedos de Ábalos 2020

The serious and austere new 2020 Lindes de Remelluri Viñedos de Ábalos was produced with grapes on marl and limestone from the Marqués de Legarda, who is mentioned on the label. It's a blend of 73% Tempranillo, 17% Graciano, 6% Garnacha and 4% other varieties, presented in a straight Bordeaux bottle. It reflects more the character of Haro than the Rioja Alavesa, wines with more Graciano. It's medium to full-bodied with 14.17% alcohol and has fine-grained, chalky tannins. 13,205 bottles were filled in May 2022.

Exuberant and aromatic with blackberries, black cherries, perfumes and peaches. Full and rich with density and powerful tannins, yet there is also a brightness and energy here. Muscular, yet it finishes fresh and crunchy. Better after 2025.

The Ábalos bottling of Lindes is one of my favourites, sourced from a single parcel of south- facing vines in a high-altitude village. Scented and deeply coloured, this is all about fruit rather than oak, with crunchy bramble and red cherry fruit and a bright finish. 2024-29