The 2020 JC Vizcarra (sold in some markets under the name Vizcarra 15 Meses because it matured in barrel for 15 months) is quite ripe, even in this cooler year, and hit the scale at 14.8% alcohol but keeping good freshness and coming through as balanced. The palate is medium to full-bodied with abundant, slightly dusty tannins that are going to need a little more time in bottle to be resolved. 70,000 bottles and 2,200 magnums produced. It was bottled in August 2022.

2018 was a year of freshness and higher yields, and the Vizcarra wines are quite good at reflecting the character of the vintage, as I see in the 2018 JC Vizcarra. It has good ripeness but great balance and freshness, varietal character and soft tannins with a chalky mouthfeel. The oak is neatly integrated into the wine. 60,000 bottles and 2,200 magnums produced. It was bottled in August 2020.

The 2016 JC Vizcarra (sold as Vizcarra 15 meses in some markets) is their Crianza-style bottling, even if they don't follow that classification and all wines are sold with a generic back label. It shows the bright side of 2016, a challenging year with rain and cold weather that resulted in fine wines with good freshness, fine tannins and, in this case, good integration of the oak and some red fruit intermixed with some floral notes and a spicy twist. The palate is medium-bodied, with clean flavors, focus and a modern profile, recognizable as Ribera del Duero. 65,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2018.

Black olive, tar and tobacco notes give this red a savory character, while a cherry, plum and floral core emerges from the firm tannins and lingers on the bright finish. Drink now through 2030. 1,500 cases made, 800 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add