The 2020 Dos Dedos de Frente Syrah, produced by El Escoces Volante, is an exemplary red wine hailing from Spain’s Aragon region. This vintage has garnered significant attention, particularly for its notable departure from previous years in terms of oak influence and alcohol content.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine an impressive score of 95, describing it as "the darkest of the reds" and emphasizing its ripe and powerful nature. The review highlights the wine's aromatic profile, noting it as "showy, perfumed and heady, hedonistic and supple." This Syrah is crafted from grapes supplied by a producer dedicated to organic practices and regenerative agriculture, which contributes to its distinct character.
One of the significant changes in the 2020 vintage is its alcohol content, which stands at 13.9%. This adjustment avoids high ripeness, a common characteristic in previous iterations. The wine is also noted for having less oak influence, using more neutral barrels and allowing the wine to rest in the tank after the élevage in oak. This process has resulted in a wine with more pronounced varietal characteristics, reminiscent of Rhône Syrah, with a blend of violets, tar, and bacon fat aromas.
The palate of the 2020 Dos Dedos de Frente is described as medium to full-bodied, featuring abundant but fine-grained tannins. This structure provides a balanced and enjoyable mouthfeel. The wine also includes a small percentage (6%) of Viognier in its fermentation, adding an extra layer of complexity to its flavor profile.
A total of 6,995 bottles of this vintage were produced, with the bottling completed in March 2023. This limited production run adds an element of exclusivity to the wine, making it a sought-after choice for collectors and enthusiasts.
In summary, the 2020 Dos Dedos de Frente Syrah is a well-crafted and highly regarded wine that showcases the potential of organic and regenerative agricultural practices. Its balanced approach to alcohol and oak, combined with a complex aromatic profile, makes it a standout choice for those seeking a high-quality Spanish Syrah.