91Points

“The 2018 El Principal is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot and 3% Syrah, aged for 22 months in two-thirds new French barrels. Reddish purple in the glass. The clear, expressive nose presents notes of plum and black currant and hints of herb and pepper. The palate is intense, tightly corseted and concentrated, with a juicy, potent flow and a slightly smoky backdrop. It remains to be seen how the tannins will develop in time, but I tried the 2010 and it was no more subtle.”