The 2009 La Nieta is a 4,000-bottle cuvee of pure Tempranillo sourced from a single vineyard in Paganos (Laguardia). The singularity of this 1.75 hectare plot of vineyards is that the bedrock is almost on the surface, with 18% active chalk in it. In other words, it’s a very poor soil where the vines struggle to survive and produce small bunches of concentrated grapes, especially the vines that are planted directly on the rock. That’s why they select it grape by grape. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel with pumping-over and the wine transferred to new French oak barrels where malolactic fermentation is carried out and the wine ages for 18 months. It has a very fresh nose of small berries with a lactic, spicy note starting to develop complexity. The medium-bodied palate has fine tannins, very good acidity with plenty of stuffing in a serious wine with great balance and length. With time and air it develops a subtle balsamic note of aromatic herbs. It’s a great elegant, subtle Rioja. Drink 2014-2028. - Luis Gutierrez

This single-vineyard Rioja always impresses through its impeccable balance, depth of aromas and richness. Aromas of jammy blackberry come with blueberry, orange peel, graham cracker and graphite. It’s tight and mildly tannic, with pure boysenberry, cassis, roasted plum, charred spice and toast flavors. Coconut, vanilla and coffee flavors are on the front side of the finish. A beautiful wine that will be best from 2013–2016.

This aromatic red is intense and modern in its expression of berry, kirsch and vanilla flavors. Features a plush texture, with firm, well-integrated tannins and enough acidity for balance. The abundance of sweet fruit and toasty oak is beguiling. Drink now through 2019. – TM