The Wine: Laderas de Cabama is 100% Tempranillo, crafted from a single plot of 35-year-old vines, sited on the classic clay/limestone soil profile of the Rioja Alta at 550 metres above sea level. Previously, this single-vineyard bottling was made in a similar style to Valenciso’s flagship Reserva, in that it was built to age in barrel and bottle before release. From the 2018 vintage, Valenciso has sought to craft Laderas de Cabama in a younger, more fruit-forward style. Hence, the fruit was picked a little earlier and the winemaking employed a portion of whole-berry, carbonic fermentation, bringing a more primary and juicy profile. No new oak was used, instead fermentation was in cool concrete, followed by 14 months in used French oak barrels.
Straight out of the gates this vibrant and energetic wine emanates youthful charm. Deep purple, it's rich with aromas of violet florals, dark berries, cocoa, some gentle earth tones and warm spices. The medium bodied palate has a softness to it, with rich and unctuous fruit balanced by refreshing acidity and suave, persistent tannins (which will also ensure this ages superbly) leading to a savoury flecked, lengthy close. Great on its own, this will also suit with a wide variety of meat dishes.
