2018 Ripa Rosado, José Luis Ripa Sáenz de Navarrete, Rioja, Spain

The rosé 2018 RIPA Vino Rosado follows the same path as the 2017, 60% Garnacha and 40% Tempranillo aged and matured in 225- and 500-litre oak barrels where the wine matured for 30 months. The vintage was quite cold, and the grapes were picked on October 20. The wine has a more vibrant palate and a lower pH, with more freshness. The long élevage marks it, so it takes on a specific profile with nutty and spicy notes and a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. It's spicy, vibrant, still round and lush, with a dark colour, very different from the pale Provençal examples... 6,200 bottles were filled in December 2021.Drink 2022 - 2026Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate (July 2022)