2014 Las Beatas Rioja Telmo Rodriguez

This is the fourth vintage of this remarkable, single vineyard red, planted with nine varieties (including five different Tempranillos) over 1.9 hectares of terraces in Labastida. Scented, textured and almost balletic, with Musigny-like tannins, succulent red berry fruit, a line of chalky acidity and incredible length, this is a quintessential, vineyard-based Rioja. 2019-28.

Amazing aromas of rose petals and blueberries that turn to violets. Full bodied with seamless tannins and an endless finish. A truly superb wine with incredible polish and balance. Stunning. Perfect to taste now but will age forever. 1,488 bottles made.

I was eager to taste the bottled 2014 Las Beatas, and then I realized I was not only going to taste the 2014 but also the 2015, as it was already bottled. 2014 saw a warm winter with average rain and a dry and warm spring followed by a fresh and dry September with some rain that challenged the end of the ripening period. This is a field blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha, Garnacha Blanca and others fermented in 1,000- and 3,000- kilogram oak vats and matured in 1,200-liter oak foudres for 15 months. I see this more in line with the 2012 rather than the 2013, with a little more ripeness within the elegant style of the vineyard. It's spicy, floral and faintly balsamic with very elegant tannins. The consistency of this wine is in the palate, as the nose changes a lot more. 1,488 bottles were filled in May 2016. 2019 - 2032.