Luis Marin 2018 Reserva "Essentia" 750ml

The Ignacio Marin family have deep roots in the Cariñena region, with a winemaking heritage stretching back centuries. This old vine garnacha grows at 650m, and was hand selected from 80+ year old vines. It rested at least 16 months in older wood before release. Sultry and textural, with ripe strawberries, fragrant raspberries, and plum leather working through the palate, licked with red liquorice, deftly brightened with a lofted stony acidity, and framed with well integrated, toothsome tannins. This well harnesses old vine garnacha's heft and power, and turns it back into a friendly, interesting, and drinkable red. Quite smart.

Score: 90 points -- Treve Ring, gismondionwine.com, 2024