From Tempranillo plots in San Gregorio Grande, Bartolo and Lentisco, this was made from perfectly ripe, hand-selected, and harvested grapes from our own vineyards around Finca de San Rafael. The grapes were destemmed and then fermented in 12,000-liter stainless steel tanks at 28-30¼°C. After a post fermentative maceration of 15 to 20 days, malolactic fermentation was completed. The wine was then racked to previously used barrels where it remained for two years. It was then bottled and aged for a further year in our underground cellars until release.

Old vines did well while younger vines struggled. Volume was lower than in 2014 by up to one third. Low nitrogen levels led to some struggling ferments, but the flavour ripeness is very high, with soft tannins and high potential alcohol The finished articles have turned out to be much better than was perhaps expected. Alcohol will also be higher than usual in Rioja, again with powerful concentration and richness. A short, early harvest reflected the ripeness of the crop. Berries were small across the region, with the higher, cooler vineyards of Rioja showing especially high quality. This wine exhibits beautiful red and black fruit. Dark cherry, blackberry, and a kiss of older leather from the kiss of new oak. Can hold for 10+ years but is drinking beautifully right now.