This unique project was born on the occasion of La Buena Vida's 25th anniversary, in collaboration with Abel and Maite.
The grapes come from some 2 hectares in San Vincente de la Sonsierra, mainly Tempranillo with some white grapes and Graciano round the corners. All these vines were planted between 1967 and 1969, except a little part of the Tempranillo (in 1978).
The parcel lies between 540 and 560 metres above sea-level, very close to the famous Bardallo cru.
the soils are clay and limestone, with some silty-loamish areas.
The parcel's name comes from the 116 tenth-century tombs scattered around the vineyard.
This is one of Abel's best and most beautiful vineyards, so exactly what we needed to produce a wine worthy of our 25th anniversary!
Vinification
Organic farming. Harvest by hand in small baskets.
Fermentation in stainless steel tanks, then concrete tanks.
The wines are then aged for 13 months in French oak barrels (2 or 3 years old). Follows a refining period of several months in concrete tanks so as to reach the perfect balance.
Storage potential
Drink as from : 2022
Best moment : 2025-2028
Until : 2033
To serve
Decant before serving, at cellar temperature (18°C), in a large glass.
Trial analysis
Bright red colour in the glass.
A lot of red fruit on the nose, but also spices and a lot of freshness. Although the vintage was quite warm, the altitude allowed the vines to benefit from the fresher Atlantic influence.
A lot of red fruit on the palate, too, but a backbone of juicy, fruity tannins. No trace of the ageing in oak, but a nice acidity which brings structure and elegance to the wine.
Tempranillo as we love it.
Flavor profile
Wood
None
Aged in wood barrels
Heavily aged in wood barrels
Acidity
Low acidity
Balanced
High acidity
Fruitiness
Low fruitiness
Balanced
High fruitiness
Structure
Elegant
Balanced
Full-bodied