Estrats 2006

The bodega was founded in 1997 under the supervision of the bicentennial Castell del Remei winery. It is located in the southern most part of the Costers del Segre DO in Lleida, in the sub-area of the Les Garrigues. The bodega is therefore surrounded by a markedly dry Mediterranean landscape, populated with almond and olive trees and dry stone constructions. The bodega boasts 32 hectares spread over 12 plots. Agro-ecological methods are used to encourage natural processes and biological interactions in order to optimize and conserve the land’s agricultural resources, thereby ensuring the practice of sustainable agriculture.

Appearance

Very intense cherry red, blackish with clearly visible tears.

Nose

Quite discreet at first, improves if decanted. Gradually opens up, initially offering up notes of wet earth, new leather and blond tobacco. Noticeable aromas of candied black fruit, cocoa and caramel. Complex and wild.

Palate

Robust but well integrated. Delicious aromas of very ripe black fruit. Some tannin but nothing too rough. Good final acidity with a long aftertaste and fresher than expected.

Comment

Estrats is the bodega’s most cosseted wine. Its formal bottle already hints at the type of “animal” which will be unleashed when we uncork it. It is produced from a careful selection of Cabernet Sauvignon (the majority), Tempranillo and Garnacha from middle aged vines, growing at over 700 metres altitude, providing the vineyards with a degree of freshness and protecting the fruit from the extreme daytime heat. The wine has been aged in new French oak for 18 months and possesses superlative build. Nevertheless, this 2006, riddled with nuances, is more docile than other vintages and the more moderate degree is appreciated to enable us to enjoy it much more, without the need of a “knife”. The time spent in bottle has been hugely beneficial. Even so, we wish it a few more years of improvement and enjoyment. This is a fine example of a well defined power.