Tihom Tinto 2019

This is a comparatively unusual blend from Jorge Muga, based on Mazuelo with a supporting cast of 42% Graciano, 11% Garnacha and just 3% Tempranillo. Ripe, textured and well balanced, it has plenty of energy and acidity, plum, raspberry and orange zest flavours, spicy French and Hungarian oak and granular tannins. Promising. 2024-27

The red 2019 Tihom Tinto was produced with an unusual blend of 45% Mazuelo, 43% Graciano, some 9% Garnacha and 3% Tempranillo that ripened well (you have to reduce the yields of Mazuelo to achieve that) in a very complete year. All the wines have a shy, elegant and serious profile, which seems to be the common theme that defines the house style (but this is only the first time I tasted the wines). None of the wines show any aromatic impact from the oak. The varieties matured separately in oak barrels, and the blend feels more Rioja than the varietal character of the grapes. The palate is very harmonious, and the tannins are very fine; it's powerful with good ripeness and 14.5% alcohol. Clean, elegant and expressive. 16,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in the winter of 2022.