Exopto Rioja Bozeto de Exopto 2017

Terrific wine. Very vivid colour, a bit darker than the 2016. Crunchy palate of blueberry, cherry, plum, cinnamon and nutmeg. Just the perfect marriage of ripe succulent fruit, drying powdery tannins and vibrant acidity. Bargain. WWC, January 2019.

This is an aromatic, vital, young Rioja bursting at the seams with aromas and flavours of red plum, liquorice and cola like spices. Balancing the fleshy fruit is ample freshness, and a subtle coating of refreshing tannin keeps everything in its right place. Another complex bargain under this terrific label. The 2016 disappeared in a heartbeat and we expect the 2017 to go the same way – stunning value!

As always, it’s a predominately Grenache and Tempranillo blend. The lion’s share of the Grenache portion (50%) hails from the sandy, riverstone terroir of El Agudo, a 60 year old plot at Alfaro on the Monte Yerga (Rioja Baja), while the Tempranillo (40%) comes from a selection of mature vines in the Perequita, Centenales and El Sillo vineyards in Ábalos (Rioja Alta). To preserve its primary freshness, Tom Puyaubert ferments his Grenache in Nomblot concrete tanks, while the Tempranillo is naturally fermented and then aged for six months in concrete, but also 5,000 litre oak vats. Finally, there is 10% Graciano, highly unusual for a Rioja at this price. This component brings acidity, complexity and another layer of flavour and texture.