Alabaster

The 2022 Alabaster, produced with Tinta de Toro grapes from 11.5 hectares of ancient ungrafted vines, is the most elegant and complete of the 2022s, with great balance and tasty, silky and long finish. It's hard to believe the wine spent 18 months in new French oak barrels, as the oak is completely integrated and doesn't interfere in the aromatics at all. There are many overripe wines in the region, but this has controlled ripeness, with volume and very elegant and round tannins. This is a step up in elegance and subtleness from the Victorino. 7,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2024.

The 2020 Alabaster was produced with Tinta de Toro grapes from 11.5 hectares of ancient ungrafted vines that yielded 1,000 liters per hectare in 2020. The grapes were hand-destemmed and fermented in open tanks for 19 days, followed by malolactic in bottle and 18 months in new French oak barrels. It has 14.99% alcohol and a pH of 3.56. 2020 is a very approachable vintage, a year with finesse, elegance and balance, and this Alabaster is perfumed and floral and feels light on its feet despite the power, concentration and clout. It has a beautiful nose and the new oak is not overpowering despite being noticeable. It should develop nicely and for a very long time in bottle. It has great balance and is one of the finest vintages of Alabaster if not the best... 5,900 bottles were filled in May 2022.