Rioja

Defining the 2018 vintage in Rioja requires looking beyond the averages, as it was a year of contrasting fortunes and precise timing.

Spring was steady if unremarkable, with the vines navigating the vulnerable flowering stage without major incident.

The growing season was solar and generous. Accumulating 1842 Growing Degree Days (GDD), the summer provided consistent warmth that drove steady sugar accumulation.

Harvest proceeded under mixed skies, requiring agility to dodge the 23mm of rain that fell sporadically during the picking weeks.

**Style:** Rich, opulent, and structured wines built for the long haul.