Vino de Pueblo Labastida 2021

This wine from Labastida is based on two parcels owned by a viticultor friend (Inigo Perea) and a third vineyard which Jose and Vicky rent. In total, there’s less than a hectare, just 4km away from San Vicente. It’s Tempranillo 90% with Garnacha and various field blend whites. The handling is the same as for the San Vicente wines; gently aged ten months in large wood in the historical San Vicente cave after concrete fermentation in the Briones facility.

Unmistakeably Jose Gil in style, but a little lighter in carriage, a slightly lower profile in the mouth than the San Vicente wines, but still rounded. Bluebells, cherry medicinal cola, astringent herbs, radish, peppermint and a touch of limestone funk. There’s very good movement and energy between fruit and tannin; the wine’s shaped like a horizontal disc in the mouth and fresh to finish.