The blend that represents the perfect balance for Miguel Angel de Gregorio is Tempranillo with 15% Graciano, which was what he used for his 2012 Aurus, with grapes sourced from a diversity of vineyards in the village of Briones. The destemmed, uncrushed grapes were fermented in an oak vat after a six-day cold soak. Malolactic was in brand new French barriques were the wine matured for two years with rackings every four months. I feel much better balance and contained ripeness compared with the 2011. However, as it also happened with the previous vintage, I also favor Calvario over Aurus in 2012. The fruit is black, with notes of licorice, ink and graphite, most of the aromas come from the darker side of the spectrum with more noticeable oak than in Calvario. The palate feels ripe and lush, with some dusty tannins and a chalky finish. The oak is nicely integrated, which for me talks about the quality of the grapes, because not many grapes can take two years in new oak. It ends with a long, slightly warm finish. 6,000 bottles were filled in January 2015.