Wine Advocate #255 - 30 Jun 2021 - Luis Gutierrez - Dominio de Aguila Reserva 2017 - 94/100 - Drink: 2021- 2027 - $85
The red 2017 Reserva comes from a very challenging year marked by killer spring frost that decimated the crop. Furthermore, the end of the season was very warm and dry, and the harvest was quite early. The whole clusters fermented in concrete vats with indigenous yeasts, and the wine completed malolactic and a total élevage of 33 months in oak barrels, mostly French. There is more development here, especially when tasted next to the younger 2018; it feels a little riper and open, a little darker and with a smoky and graphite twist. The palate reveals a little more rusticity and more tannins. It's approachable and quite showy, perfumed and a little warmer, still keeping the balance and poise. It reflects the vintage. Only 4,512 bottles and 54 magnums from this low-yielding year were filled in July 2020.