Signo Bobal 2012

2012 seems like a balanced vintage in the region. It took heat better than the central and northern vineyards in Spain (as seen in 2006 and 2012). The 2012 Signo Bobal follows the house philosophy not to do varietal wines, so it contains some 11% Syrah. The Bobal is sourced from old vineyards (like all of the variety there) while the estate Syrah was planted in 1998. It was fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in used 300-liter oak barrels. The nose shows the rustic character of the grape with black fruit, licorice, hints of tree bark and a floral, violet-like background coming through as rustically elegant. The palate shows the Bobal tannins that would benefit from some time in bottle, even though these old vineyards provide much more balanced tannins than do the young vines. It has supple flavors and a juicy texture with a very tasty finish. This is a great example of Bobal, somehow different from the wines from Ponce. 8,040 bottles.

Aromatic cherries and hints of cream. Tar, too. Full-bodied on the palate with concentrated and soft and silky tannins. Fresh finish. Drink now.