The impressive 2012 La Nieta is a single-vineyard Tempranillo, 1.78 hectares planted in 1975 in Páganos-Laguardia where the soils are very shallow and one-third of the vines are planted directly on the mother rock. For them, 2012 produced fresher wines than 2011, and I agree completely; most of the wines have about 1% less alcohol than the corresponding 2011s. The grapes fermented in four 1,000-liter oak vats and the wine matured in new French barriques for 16 months. The nose is subtle, ripe without excess. This is at the same time a very powerful and very elegant wine, a combination not so easy to find with great purity within its concentrated style. The palate is medium to full-bodied with an extremely chalky, mineral feeling that sticks to your teeth. This is a wine that will age for a very long time. It could be drunk now with powerful food, but you'll be rewarded if you have patience. 4,000 bottles produced.

The plush texture, polished tannins and rich combination of plum and toast show a modern character, yet the bright acidity and savory notes of dried herb and loamy earth give this balance and depth. Drink now through 2022. 67 cases made, 67 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add