Atalaya Almansa Laya Old Vines 2019

90+ points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "The fruit-driven and easy-to-drink 2019 Laya was produced with Garnacha Tintorera, or Alicante Bouschet, grapes blended with 30% Monastrell from an unusually wet year with torrential rains during the harvest. It fermented in stainless steel vats with neutral yeasts, with malolactic in barrel, where the wine matured for four months. It's very dark, almost opaque, expressive and open. This comes from younger vines yet is structured and seamless, quite complete. It feels like a very good vintage for Garnacha Tintorera in the zone. The palate is round, somehow creamy, and the tannins are ripe and juicy. It was bottled in March 2020. Drink: 2020-2023. (Sep 2020)"

90 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "Saturated ruby. Ripe, spice-accented black and blue fruits and a hint of florality on the expansive nose. In a lush, generous style, offering sweet blueberry and cherry flavors that are energized by a late peppery flourish. Lingers very nicely on the dark-fruit-driven finish, which is framed by smooth, even tannins. Drink: 2021-2025. (Mar 2021)"

Producer notes: "Garnacha Tintorera and Monastrell grapes come from vineyards situated in Almansa, between 700 and 1000 meters of altitude, planted in sandy soils with a high lime concentration in the base. The grapes are separately fermented in stainless steel tanks and then they stay 4 months in French oak barrels. Pair with monkfish and seasonal mushrooms."