2018 was a cooler year with rain during the harvest that made the grapes larger, and the 2018 San Vicente shows more fluid, a little lighter and with more polished tannins, a little more austere and less exuberant than the 2019 I tasted next to it. The wines reflect the natural conditions of the year, as the vinification (destemmed in oak vats) and élevage (20 months in new barrels) were the same. 40,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2020.
94 points, Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate (Jul 2022)
Inky ruby. Powerful, oak-spiced cherry cola, blackberry, potpourri and vanilla scents show sharp definition and pick up a smoky aspect with air. Seamless and penetrating on the palate, offering intense red and dark fruit, floral pastille and mocha flavors and a touch of exotic spices. Shows excellent focus and spicy drive on a long, supple finish framed by finely interwoven tannins. All new oak, 90% French and 10% American.
94 points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous (Apr 2021)
The 2018 San Vicente is 100% Tempranillo Peludo. It's another deep purple-hued, incredibly impressive Rioja offering brilliant purity in its cassis and currant fruit as well as notes of spicy wood, licorice, tobacco leaf, and chocolaty aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, this elegant, balanced, pure, graceful Rioja will keep for a decade.
93 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Jun 2022)
Dark red-violet to the eye, this wine has a bouquet of black currant, vanilla and clove. It offers a medley of fruit and savory flavors, with blackberry, pomegranate, tobacco leaf, dark chocolate and coffee bean in the mix. Deep-seated tannins make way for an orange-zest finish.
93 points, Mike Desimone, Wine Enthusiast (Apr 2022)
Fresh raspberries, blueberries, violets, stones, tar and rosemary on the nose. Some licorice and cloves. Full-bodied with supple tannins and fresh acidity. Lovely, velvety texture. Creamy finish. Tempranillo. Drink from 2022.
93 points, James Suckling (Oct 2021)
Silky tannins encase concentrated layers of plum, graphite and cola in this open-knit red, with cherry, spice and tea notes cascading onto the lingering finish. Drink now through 2030. 4,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.
92 points, Gillian Sciaretta, Wine Spectator (Aug 2021)