2012 Quinta Sardonia QS2

The 2012 Qs2 is mostly Tempranillo complemented by 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and small percentages of Petit Verdot, Malbec and Syrah, from their biodynamically-farmed 22 hectares of vineyards in the village of Sardón de Duero in the outskirts of the Ribera del Duero appellation. The grapes fermented together by soil with some 10-20% full clusters with indigenous yeasts doing a soft extraction. Part of the wine aged in oak barriques, 20% in 1,200-liter oak foudres and another 20% in egg-shaped cement vats. This 2012 feels riper when compared with 2013; it is more voluptuous with some aromas of black cherries, hints of spices and keeping the floral notes in the background. It's still quite fresh; do not think this is an overripe wine, but that's what you get when you compare two vintages side by side. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with some grainy tannins that could do with some food. The palate is fresher than what you expect from the nose. 46,000 bottles were filled in May 2014.