2014 Artadi, Vina Pison, Rioja

If all of the unbottled 2014s felt a little closed and backward, the case of the 2014 Viña El Pisón was even more so; this is a wine that tends to be reticent in its youth. As the winery left the Rioja appellation at the end of 2015, all of the 2014s will be sold without appellation. They didn't have new labels to show, but most likely they will not mention anything other than the province (Álava) and Spain. This should have been bottled a few days before I tasted it, but a problem with some corks prevented them from doing it and what I tasted was a final sample from tank with all of the adjustments already done. 2014 is a slightly more generous vintage than 2013 with rounder tannins that provide a more dynamic sensation. The nose was ungiving and even after a couple of hours in the glass the wine hadn't moved much. There are subtle notes from the élevage that suggest that some time in bottle should do it good, but it's still quite primary. So you have to guide yourself by the palate at this point in time. I think the main difference with the wines from ten years ago is the integration of the oak. This now feels purer and more elegant, better balanced and possibly with a brighter future in bottle. I had encountered a bottle of 2004 a few months ago and it still showed excess oak. 6,600 bottles.