A 2016 Trio From Alto de la Ballena

2016 Cabernet Franc Reserva

3.300 bottles made. The nose is cool and nicely tuned with notes of red and black currants, warm hay, red apples and a touch of tobacco.

The taste is medium bodied and fresh with notes of green olives, red currants, tobacco and earth. A nice, dry finish.

88p   (tasted 2025/08)

2016 Merlot Reserva

An open, juicy nose with notes of plums, chocolate, dark flowers, violets and tobacco. Very fine.

The taste is forward and racy with notes of plum cake, smoke, salmiak and chocolate covered cherries. Very long. Lovely. 4.200 bottles made.

92p   (tasted 2025/08)

2016 Tannat/ Viognier Reserva

85% Tannat and 15% Viognier and without the Viognier this would have been a bruiser. The nose is big and compact with notes of blackberries, asphalt, scorched earth and fried herbs. Very, very good in a open, direct style.

The taste is rich and concentrated with notes of iron, blackberries, dark flowers and hot earth. Very long.

90p   (tasted 2025/08)