Finca Azaya 2019

If a wine obtains 97 points in a prestigious event like the Decanter Awards, it's definitely time to try it out immediately. The Finca Azaya wine from Bodegas Valduero not only gained this rating but was also declared one of the "Best in Show" wines — a distinction only awarded to 50 of the 16,500 wines tasted during the event. 280 judges from 30 different countries, including Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers, decided to reward the Finca Azaya with such an accolade after intense and competitive rounds of tasting. The 50 wines awarded Best in Show Decanter 2019 come from 12 different countries — with 8 of the wines being from Spain. Let's see what convinced these prestigious experts to fall in love with the Finca Azaya. It is made entirely with Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) grapes grown on bush vines averaging around 30 years old in Castilla y León. Vines are not watered and are only fertilized with sheep manure. The fruit is harvested by hand and collected in small crates, and the must ferments for 9 or 10 days with daily remontage (pumping over) to oxygenate the wine and extract the best qualities from the grape skins. Fourteen months in two different kinds of oak barrels followed by twelve months refinement in bottles produces a seductive ruby-coloured wine with a deep aroma of toasted oak, ripe fruits of the forest, and liquorice. Mature and expressive in the mouth, with a pure silky palate, garnished with mint and toasted hints which are reminiscent of recently-roasted coffee. Its finish ... well, it just seems to go on and on!