Alvaro Castro: Jaen 2016

Parker über: Jaen

-- Parker: The 2016 Jaen Quinta da Pellada was aged in five-year-old French oak for 20 months and comes in at 13% alcohol. This is sourced from Quinta da Pellada's old vines. Another of the reevaluations this issue (the latest version, I'm told, is not quite ready), this seems rather different than the lusher 2015, next to which it was tasted. This seems lighter, sharper and crisper, more delicate. The red fruit is less obvious, while the mid-palate finesse seems even better. The texture leans more to silk than velvet. Overall, I loved the freshness here, which makes this a perfect food wine. The 2015, though, seems more expressive and interesting (and is a rather perfect food wine too). Here, the strawberry tart nuance emphasizes that 'tart' part. That is probably not just a function of having an extra year to evolve, but this 2016 is still very good and may yet still improve. Many will adore its sunny and graceful demeanor.