2021 Pintia (Toro)

The current release is the 2021 Pintia, for them an exceptional vintage in Toro, one of their finest to date. It was cropped from a cooler year when the wine has more freshness despite the 15% alcohol, with a pH of 3.83 and 4.7 grams of acidity. It fermented in stainless steel and oak vats and matured partly in stainless steel (15%), barrels and foudres with 75% new oak, for 11 months. Three episodes of rain in September really made the vintage, something unusual in the zone, putting the icing on the cake of a cooler year. The wine is always more powerful than the wines from Ribera or Rioja, with more oomph, density and abundant tannins but with very good balance and freshness. It`s a Pintia for the long haul, like a 2018 with more weight. There were 235,355 bottles, 13,944 half-bottles, 6,535 magnums and some larger formats produced. This was bottled in April 2023. 95+ points

The wine is outstanding. Pintia 2021 retains its trademark power and density, yet feels more ‘al dente’ than previous vintages – opulent but crunchier in its fruit profile. It shows sweet, polished tannins, controlled power, a compact but layered texture and beautifully integrated toasted notes. Plum, warm stone and hints of wilted violet add complexity. Easily one of the most harmonious and well-tempered Pintia releases of recent years – no small statement. 17.5 points