Ponce Clos Lojen Bobal 2023

Clos Lojén is the entry point into Juan Antonio Ponce’s world—a pure, unadorned expression of Bobal from high-elevation vines in the chalky soils of Manchuela. At 800+ metres above sea level, these bush-trained vines ripen slowly, preserving acidity and nuance in a region better known for heat. Fermented whole bunch with native yeasts and aged briefly in old barrels, the 2023 vintage is a study in precision and lift.

Bright ruby in the glass, it opens with a spray of red cherry, cranberry, and crushed violet, overlaid with subtle fennel and black pepper. The palate is light-footed and tensile, with fine tannins and a stony, almost saline edge that keeps the fruit taut and snappy. It’s an agile, fragrant take on Bobal—far from the heavy-handed renditions of the past—and a refreshing reminder of what’s possible in this corner of Spain.