María 2016

María combines Tinto Fino from two parcels in Roa: west-facing El Circo on chalky clay soils and north-facing Violeta on chalky gravels. It's a fitting tribute to the owner of the bodega, especially in 2016. Aged in new French oak, this fine red has quite a bit in common with top Bordeaux - structured, scented and built to age, with plum and blackberry fruit, a grassy undertone and finely integrated oak. 2022-31

The superb 2016 María is elegant and balanced but also powerful at the same time and reflects the rusticity of Ribera del Duero. It's subtle and harmonious and has velvety tannins and a sleek and seamless mouthfeel. Balance is the word here. It has to be one of the finest vintages ever, and it should age magnificently in bottle. 6,000 bottles and 100 magnums produced. It was bottled in July 2018 after 18 months in barrel.