They are going for lower yields and less bottles of the 2020 La Montesa and slowly putting prices up, as they feel the wine is more serious than what the perception of the affordable price makes it. 2020 is a powerful vintage; it's structured and textured, the oak is very nicely integrated (12 months in barrel, but the powerful wine absorbed it completely), and it's powerful with 14% alcohol and a pH of 3.55, a little darker than in previous years. The tannins are very fine with a subtle chalky texture. There were 2,319 barrels that resulted in 672,000 bottles, 10,000 magnums and some larger and smaller formats. It was bottled from April 2022.
The modern-inspired 2020 La Montesa is a blend of 90% Garnacha and 10% other red varieties sourced from Monte Yerga in Alfaro, Rioja Oriental. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, this infusion-like wine boasts a purple-red color. Its enticing, earthy-reductive nose presents notes of blood and sour cherry, intertwined with herbal and grapefruit undertones. The palate is precise and exhilarating, with a lean and taut profile that vibrates with a juicy, chalky mouthfeel, all balanced on a refreshing core
—an alluring, flavorful red.
From the rainy Covid year. This vintage marks a transformation in style for La Montesa. A change to the winemaking, with 20% stems included. Mineral aromas blend with elegant red fruits. The acidity is brisk but smoothly enveloped in red cherry fruit. The palate is rounded and fleshy, with a fine, savoury finish.
A fresh and refined red with cherry and berry character, fine tannins and hints of orange peel. Medium body, light tannins and a bright finish. Delicious now.
This fresh, appealing red shows fine balance, with light tannins trimming flavors of ripe cherry and roasted fig, plus accents of toast, Earl Grey, red licorice and warm spices. Minerally finish. Drink now through 2030. 55,833 cases made, 2,900 cases imported.
Winery Notes
Named after a hillside vineyard located on the northeastern slope of the Yerga mountain in eastern Rioja, La Montesa is a blend of the indigenous grape varieties that grow on the Palacios Remondo estate. Juicy and lush, with notes of cherry, raspberry and orange peel that meld with Mediterranean herbal undertones to create a wine that is balanced, bright and lively. Aged 12 month in barrel and bottled unfiltered.