R. Parker (95+/100)
The single-vineyard varietal Arcos 2018 Simeta was produced with this almost forgotten local variety from a vineyard planted in 1970. Arcos has a long cycle, large bunches and loose and large grapes with thick skins, wanting to be a representation of the Mediterranean. In 2018, the grapes were picked late (October 10th) and with good balance, this time using only grapes from the higher up part of the vineyard where the soils have more limestone (the lower part was used in Sensal). It fermented in concrete vats with 70% full clusters and indigenous yeasts. The 500-liter oak barrels were one year older and the élevage also longer, a further six months compared with previous years, 15 months in total. This is subtle with elegant austerity, insinuating and in need of some time in the glass or a decanter to start opening up. The nose is promising, but the palate is vibrant and lively, beautifully textured with very fine chalky tannins and great focus and purity, precise and symmetric, seamless and long. Arcos is a really interesting variety, it ripens even later than Monastrell and feels really adapted to the conditions of the Mediterranean. Amazing quality for the price. 1,600 bottles were filled in February 2020.