Fuentes del Silencio, Las Jaras, Castilla y Léon, Spain 2018

This is a fascinating wine, a field blend of Mencia, Prieto Picudo and Alicante Bouschet from pre-phylloxera vines grown at around 1,000m above sea level – the highest plantings of Mencia in the country, apparently. Mencia typically gives wines with medium body, and red fruit flavours. Here Prieto Picudo adds a certain florality, and teinturier grape Alicante Bouschet a depth of colour. The vineyard is farmed organically, though is not officially certified organic yet. Dark in the glass, this has a captivating depth of dark mulberry, damson and forest fruits, and a herby twist. There's no overt oak influence, as the wine is aged in large oak vessels and concrete tanks. A great new addition to the Society's Spanish line-up.