Even if some compare it with El Pisón, the 2016 El Carretil doesn't quite reach the same heights, even though Carretil has to be one of their best plots, a limestone-rich vineyard at 500 meters in altitude in the village of Laguardia. The vineyard is further north and therefore a cooler place, even if it mainly faces south. This wine comes from three different parcels planted at different times (80 years, 50 years and 40 years ago), averaging maybe 50 years. This is always very mineral, with up to 17% limestone (the other soils have maybe 10%), and elegant, incisive and lively, with great tannins and lots of energy. The process is similar or the same for all the wines, so they try to express the differences provided by each place. And this has to be one of their best places. 6,500 bottles produced.

Single vineyard 500 m from El Pisón. Clay limestone with more chalk than some. Richer and smoother than Valdeginés with an attractively savoury undertow though with masses of ambitious tannin underneath. Masses of life, energy and a certain saline quality here. (JR)