The grand vin is another story. The 2012 Alfynal is pure old-vine Monastrell from dry-farmed (literally!) vines, which in a dry and warm vintage like 2012, produced concentrated but balanced wines—saved by the rain in the end of September that helped the plants to complete the end of the cycle. It followed a classical vinification and élevage in barrique that lasted some 14 months. It has textbook aromas of the Mediterranean grape, mixing notes of esparto grass, other Mediterranean herbs, ripe blackberries and wet chalk, a little dusty, rustic but with elegance. The palate shows power and intense flavors reminiscent of the notes found in the nose. It ends very tasty and long. This is a great Monastrell. 7,800 bottles were filled in October 2014.