2013 could very well be the most challenging vintage of recent times, a year with 900 liters of rain, which created a lot of problems, including botrytis during the harvest. Produced selected Tempranillo and Garnacha, thea2013 Granja Remelluri Gran Reserva has lower alcohol, 13.5%, and aged in barrel for 27 to 29 months. Compared with the 2014, you see less-perfect ripeness in the tannins, and it's a little lighter, sharper and a little more austere. I think this is a triumph over the very adverse conditions of the year. 8,000 bottles were filled in May 2016, when they normally produce around 20,000 bottles.
Lots of dark berries, dried rosemary and thyme on the nose and palate. Juniper. Medium to full body. Firm and lightly chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Linear and tight. Drink now.
This Gran Reserva is approaching or even at its peak already, but it's very appealing in a lighter, savoury, more evolved style. The 20% Garnacha, picked in November, gives the wine some added backbone acidity, providing structure for the sweet, spicy, gamey palate. 2020-23