Gran Elías Mora 2013

The rather-pricey 2013 Gran Elías Mora is an oaky and ripe Tempranillo from a single vineyard, Senda del Lobo, which yields 2,500 kilos of grapes per hectare. It matured in French oak barrels for 17 months, which is very noticeable, both in nose and palate, which is medium to full-bodied with abundant dusty tannins that give it a rustic profile and a very drying finish. Would the oak ever get integrated? For fans of very oaky reds. 6,000 bottles produced. - Luis Gutiérrez. 

Dried eastern spices and cedary woody elements with tart acidity pull into sinewy tannins. The result is a wine that has chewy but appealing style. Best around 2019.

Cedar, charred oak and game are the key aromas in this wine. The palate is huge and tannic, with flavors of blackberry, cassis, baking spices and herbs that finish chocolaty and spicy. While the product of a cool vintage, this is still a saturated beast that could use more time to come around; drink through 2028.