Montsant Tinto 'Venus de la Figuera'

Score

97

"The pure Garnacha 2021 Venus de La Figuera comes from a vineyard on limestone soils at 600 meters above sea level in the village of La Figuera, on very shallow soils. They do a soft vinification because the tannins tend to have a lot of grip. This matured in clay amphorae, as they removed the oak foudre to make it more streamlined. It has a complex and developed nose that transported me to the more elegant Garnacha wines from Ch'teauneuf-du-Pape (Rayas? Yup!), with an ethereal quality, a floral and meaty nose with hints of brick dust and a very elegant, somewhat ethereal palate with tannins that are finer than ever. The label mentions 13% alcohol, but it's really not alcoholic at all, with the freshness from the year. This has to be the finest vintage to date. A really pretty Garnacha."

Score

95

"The 2021 Garnatxa Negra Venus De la Figuera from Montsant, grown on limestone soils, shows dried citrus peel, rose, stems and herbs. The cool vintage stretches and tightens the palate, compacting it with a chalky texture. Personal in style with vermouth-like notes, it is a Mediterranean red with character."

Score

93

"A light-bodied, earthy, compelling red, the 2021 Venus de la Figuera is made from the only red Garnatxa in the village, which winemaker Sara Perez finds to be very different than others in the area. Inspired by the likes of Commando G, it showcases the complexity of Garnatxa without the intensity, yet it's extremely memorable in its own right, full of violet and citrus with tense acidity and a linear focus. There's a tautness to the wine amidst shocks of black and white pepper and slate, with a finishing touch of earthy barnyard. Drink now and for another 10 years."

Score

96

"The top reds have longer ,levage and are released later, as is the case for the 2020 Venus de La Figuera. This is a vineyard they selected at higher altitude, but in the first vintages, the wine was done in amphorae (2014 and 2015), which they found too concentrated and reductive. They then used foudres and reduced the production. And in 2020, they wanted an even more ethereal wine, so they used full clusters; but some 30% of the grapes were pressed and the juice added to the vat, then then did a very long infusion to have a very subtle extraction. This was increased in the following years. The wine was aged in amphora for 18 to 20 months. It has 13.7% alcohol and the profile they were looking for. It's floral and perfumed, fine-boned and velvety, with very elegant tannins and an ethereal quality, very fresh and not showing any of the heat or the drought from the year. 1,548 bottles and 120 magnums were filled in January 2023."

Score

95

"I actually preferred this to the much heralded 2019! A slight reductive edge gives way to layers of earthy, red fruits, white pepper and violets. Powdery, tense and very moreish. 2024-2034"

Score

93

"La Figuera is a small town high in the Montsant mountains, known for its old vines. The 2020 Venus de la Figuera hails from a tiny old-vine plot located next to a water tank painted with graffiti of Venus. Made from 100% Garnatxa, it presents a blood-like core along with wild herbs, elderflower and black tea notes. Dry and infusion-like on the palate, it glides with a vibrant, chalky mouthfeel. This is a warm, grippy wine that's full of energy."