2013 Bodegas Casa Castillo Syrah Valtosca Jumilla

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 91 points

“Quite a different animal, the 2013 Valtosca is pure Syrah from vines planted between 1994 and 2001 on chalky soils. It is fermented in cement with indigenous yeasts and aged for 12 months in 500-liter oak barrels. It shows brighter and less opaque than the 2012 and the nose also shows more subtlety, more Northern Rhône if you like, with violets and hints of smoke. It is still young and perhaps still suffering a little from the recent bottling (October 2014, a couple of months before my tasting). In this vintage the Syrah had a much longer growing cycle and was harvested later than ever in this estate. The slow and long ripening surely helped develop more subtle flavors and more complexity. There is also a big difference in the tannin quality compared to the 2012. This 2013 is velvety and elegant with good balance and freshness too, while the 2012 feels more rustic and a little harsh. Again, this could be the best Valtosca. Drink dates 2016 to 2020.” –

Review Date: February 2015