For the first time ever, we experienced that malolactic fermentation came to completion prior to alcoholic fermentation which brought about a completely new level of complexity as well as the eventual aromatic and taste characteristics.
The 2011 Columella has much more defined and lifted spicy and bright berry aromas with some strong earthy elements. The structural integrity of the wine also seems much more tightly knitted and although the tannins are softer than those of the previous two vintages, it still presents a good ageing potential with the lifted freshness.
In strong contrast to the last two vintages, 2011 will be more immediately approachable, but this in no way suggests that it is a lesser wine. It was a more integrated wine from the outset with the alcoholic and malolactic fermentations running in tandem and it seems it will just be a “very together wine” throughout its life.