The prestige of Guardiola shines bright as the 2021 Contrada (G) opens in the glass. This is dark and intense, with a vivid burst of black raspberry complicated by ashen stones, earth tones, sage and mint. It’s elegant, with velvety textures yet a lifted feel. It opens with saline minerals that saturate as tart wild berries and hints of exotic citrus swirl throughout. It’s only through the finish that the 2021's tannic heft comes forward, aggressive and mouth-coating, yet still allowing a dense core of red fruit to linger on. The combination of primary components here is otherworldly, yet it will be many years before this comes entirely into balance. The 2021 Guardiola is not to be missed. EG Sept 2023

This is very sophisticated with sliced strawberries, roses and other flowers, but explosive on the palate with racy and intense tannins that run the length of the wine. Chewy at the end. Orange peel. Negroni undertones. Needs three or four years to come around. Aug 2023

Contrada Guardiola is situated between 800 and 1,000m above sea level at the edge of the 1947 lava flow. 4,500 bottles produced. Smoky, floral and red-fruited, with some earthy depth and balsamic lift, this is super-elegant, sapid and succulent in the mouth, showing bright and ripe red cherry and strawberry at the core, enveloped by wood, a hint of creaminess, and an intense stony character. Poised, fresh and beautifully balanced given its 15% abv, the tightly packed, fine-grained tannins lend structure for ageing. Long. Drinking Window: 2023 - 2037
Tasted by: James Button (at Windsor, 28 Jun 2023)