Blacknose, Vino Tinto de la Tierra 2021

A powerful red wine that carries its warmth with ease. The nose is both ripe and fresh, with pronounced primary fruit and a fine herbal and tobacco spice in the background. The 15% alcohol by volume is well integrated, with nothing overripe or heavy.

The vines grow in the Morna valley on Ibiza, across 2.5 hectares at 320 metres above sea level, the island's highest producing vineyard. The soils consist of marl and sandstone, and the cool nights at this altitude preserve the wine's freshness. The site was created after the 2011 wildfire, which destroyed over 1500 hectares of pine forest and in doing so uncovered centuries-old dry-stone walls — Peter and Tino Lehner restored them stone by stone and planted their first vines.

Two-fifths Syrah, two-fifths Monastrell, one-fifth Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes are hand-picked and sorted, then, after a cold maceration, ferment in steel tanks. This is followed by twelve months in used French oak barriques and a further twelve months of bottle ageing.

Cherry and plum also define the palate: remarkably juicy and rounded, with soft, polished tannins. Fresh acidity and medium body keep the ripe fruit in balance, and the finish stays spicy.

Mushroom-filled croquettes and cream of pepper soup.

The Lehner brothers have farmed organically from the very first vine, adding biodynamic principles in 2021. Only a few thousand bottles leave the estate each year; in 2021, Ibiza had a total of 59 hectares under vine. The name pays tribute to the Valais Blacknose sheep from the Lötschental valley, the brothers' home region. The estate also produces olive oil from 100 of its own trees, along with honey.