Grapes: 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo)
Vintage: 2006
Color: Red
Produced from 50-60 year old vines grown in the clay/limestone soils of the village of La Horra which are farmed with a specific intent to produce low yields of ripe, healthy grapes. Yields are below 20 hectoliters/hectare. Destemmed berries were fermented for 14 days prior to pressing in a small capacity, gentle, vertical basket press. Aged 15 months in 80% French and 20% American oak barrels. Bottled without filtration or clarification.
The 2006 Neo spent 15 months in French and American oak. It is more deeply colored with a brooding bouquet of pencil lead, violets, incense, and black cherry. More structured on the palate, it will benefit from 4-6 years of cellaring. It will be at its best 2012 to 2026. Issue 183, June ‘09
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
91
Inky ruby. Ripe blackberry and blackcurrant aromas are complicated by notes of cola, smoked meat and rose oil. Broad, palate-staining dark fruit flavors lead to slow-building tannins. The cola note comes up strongly on the finish, lending an impression of sweetness. Plenty appealing now but this wine possesses the depth to age. Issue 145, July/Aug '09
International Wine Review
92
Bodegas Neo (formerly J.C. Conde ) is a joint project of three young investors: Javier Ajenjo, Julio Cesar Conde and Jose Luis Simón. Their wines are made by the talented young winemaker Isaac Fernandez from 50+ year old vines in the Pago de Cabarroso. The 2006 Neo has an opaque ruby hue and savory ripe plum aromas. It is velvet smooth on the palate and reveals concentrated plum flavors and earth, meat, and chocolate notes on the palate with lingering flavors on the finish. Issue 23, June 2010
