Bastarda

Reflecting on how wines evolve from their release is truly magical. It's a bittersweet reality, though, as some wines are so delightful they barely last a year. I remember vividly the day we opened Bastarda '21; it was rebellious and a bit angry. Now, it retains traces of that character but has developed a more mature charm.

The wine offers a bouquet of cornel, barberry candy, flowers, blood, and earthy notes. It's juicy but no longer spiky, with a medium-light body. Initially, there's some VA, but a few swirls transform it into candy! It's easy-going and sophisticated, with delicate tannins, good acidity, and a delicious aftertaste.

In my opinion, it still doesn't quite match up to the '17, but it's heading in a direction I appreciate and enjoy.

Since we have the new releases I can put aside the last bottle of 2017 vintage I have and enjoy the development of this beauty. Cornel, barberry, flowers, blood, herbs and earth. Juicy, fresh and medium-light body. Obviously, still too young but it already shows some sophistication and character. Has potential. Will taste it again in a more calm environment (and not as the 14th wine of the day).