Roc Nu 2013

Clos Pons farms high vineyards in the inland Catalan appellation of Costers del Segre, and Roc Nu is its blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes come from organically managed plots at around 700 metres above sea level in Pobla de Cérvoles, an altitude that brings cool nights and a wide diurnal range, slowing ripening and holding acidity in a warm, dry climate. Fruit is hand picked into 15 kilo boxes to keep the bunches intact. The wine is aged fourteen months in new and one year old French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange firms the structure and adds cedar, vanilla and a fine toast. With bottle age, this 2013 has begun to develop. It is deep ruby moving to garnet. The nose shows ripe plum and blackberry alongside leather, liquorice and oak spice. The palate is full bodied and structured, the tannins now resolving, with a long savoury finish. Serve at 17 degrees and decant ahead of time. It suits roast beef, lamb and mature cheese.