I had two vintages from the terroir bottlings to taste, 2012 and 2013, which always makes for an interesting comparison. The 2012 La Mala is from the plot they consider to deliver more mineral wines. It was fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and matured for 18 months in French barriques, 30% of them new. It shows the power and concentration of the very dry year, with more finesse and perfume than the Llanos del Almendro from the same year, but it's not as refined as the 2013 La Mala. 1,274 bottles were filled in July 2014.

Dense and firm, this chewy red delivers black cherry and red plum flavors, with licorice, menthol, mineral and toasty notes that break through the muscular tannins. This coasts on fresh acidity through the floral, spicy finish. Best from 2018 through 2030. 50 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add