The 2017 Vivaltus Proprietary Blend is a red wine from the Ribera Del Duero region in Spain. Produced by Vivaltus, this wine comes with a cork closure and has an alcohol content of 14.0%. Despite facing significant challenges during its production year, this wine has garnered impressive reviews, showcasing its quality and resilience.
According to Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, the 2017 vintage was particularly tough due to severe frost in April, which caused up to 60% loss of the crop. Nevertheless, the end of the season was warmer, and the harvest occurred earlier than usual, resulting in a relatively short growing cycle. Despite these adverse conditions, the 2017 Vivaltus has managed to stand out impressively.
Luis Gutiérrez of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine a score of 94, noting his pleasant surprise at its quality given the difficult year. He described the wine as "floral, perfumed, elegant and insinuating," highlighting its aromatic complexity. Gutiérrez also pointed out that "the oak feels pretty integrated," indicating a well-managed maturation process. On the palate, the wine is characterized by good balance and very good tannins, though he noted they are "not as refined as those from the 2016 or 2018" vintages.
Overall, the 2017 Vivaltus Proprietary Blend is a commendable achievement given the challenging circumstances of its production. It offers a floral and elegant profile with balanced tannins, making it a noteworthy option for wine enthusiasts. As Gutiérrez puts it, the wine is "a triumph over the adverse conditions of the vintage," underscoring its exceptional quality despite the hurdles faced during its creation.