I was also very impressed by the 2018 Críos Cabernet Sauvignon, which was also very expressive and with tons of peppery spices, perfumed and with a floral touch. It has classical Cabernet tannins, a velvety mouthfeel and is precise, pure and long. 90,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in February 2019.

Bright red-ruby. Fresh scents of black cherry, dark berries and flowers. Pure, lively dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors are accented by violet, herbs and black pepper. Not a fleshy or sweet style but energetic and nicely balanced, displaying noteworthy definition and floral lift for its gentle price. Susana Balbo has recently made major purchases of land in Gualtallary (these vines are now 12 years old) and this bottling has become more savory and light on its feet as a result. As was the case with the 2017 a year ago, this Cabernet relies more on its acidity than on its light dusting of tannins for structure.