Tebaida Nemesio 2012

The 2012 Tebaida Nemesio is produced from their vineyard from the San Salvador quarter in Valtuille de Arriba, which has the particularity to have lots of clay for a high altitude vineyard (700 meters). That produces a rounder and more fruit-driven red from the Mencía grapes; they were vinified in 500-liter barrels and matured in one 700- and two 225-liter French oak barrel for 16 months, with bâttonage and lees the whole time. Somehow the oak is much better integrated than in the Tebaida 5, and the nose combines aromas of wild berries, flowers and yes, plenty of spices that do not dominate. The palate is again much more balanced, and although some tannins still need to be rendered by some more time in bottle and there are abundant oak-related flavors, I could foresee an even better balance after some time in the bottle. 1,492 bottles produced.