I also tasted the 2019 Juan Gil (blue label), the wine formerly known as 18 Months, the time it spends in barrel. They use 100% new oak that is a mixture of French and American. The wine is ripe, oaky and heady (15.5% alcohol), but I felt a change in the oak, which seemed more integrated. When I asked Miguel Gil, he told me they had changed the toast, using less toasted barrels, from medium+ to medium, and that shows in the wine. They still believe this wine should have new oak to give it aging potential. They have also introduced optical sorting of the grapes and eliminate the raisins (by shape) and the unripe grains (by color), and that adds precision and cleanliness. 30,000 bottles were produced. It was bottled in June 2021.

A sleek and layered red, featuring a concentrated range of blackberry coulis, fig cake and mocha notes, with aromatic accents of candied violet, dried thyme and minerals. Balanced and fresh, with juicy acidity and sculpted tannins that create a firm impression on the spiced finish. Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Best from 2024 through 2029. 5,000 cases made, 1,500 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Spain / Jumilla Select to Add