The modern 2015 Ventilla 71 could be the classical wine in other wineries. It follows a more modern recipe, pure Tempranillo fermented in 10,000-liter French oak vats and aged in new French and American oak barriques for 14 months. The fruit is riper, darker and nicely intermixed with dark spices and smoke. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and clean flavors. 7,000 bottles were filled in March 2017. Wines like this are always better with food.

The more modern wine in the Lacuesta portfolio is without a doubt the 2011 Ventilla 71, a pure Tempranillo from vineyards around Haro on clay and chalk soils fermented in 10,000-liter French oak vats and aged in French barriques for 15 months. It is a fruit-forward, clean and expressive red with aromas of wild berries and spices that are subtle and ripe without excess. The medium-bodied palate has nice tannins and clean flavors. Its a nice updated classic–quite surprising for the house style. 9,800 bottles produced.

Wonderful scent and richness, smoky, seductive and pure. Full, layered, generous palate, balanced ripe tannins, modern classical expression with long finish. Outstanding. Will age magnificently.