2012 Las Beatas

This second vintage of an exceptional single-vineyard, the 2012 Las Beatas is extremely young and tender. A blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha, Garnacha Blanca and other grapes found in these old vineyards on old terraces, it was fermented in 1,000- and 3,000-kilo oak vats with indigenous yeasts and matured in oak foudre for 15 months (part of the 2011 was in barrique). I was truly ecstatic when I first tasted the initial 2011 and I suspect the 2012 might be even better. The nose is very different, all flowers, violets and even lilies. It is extremely aromatic and perfumed with no traces of oak but with hints of exotic spices (curry, cardamom) and some earthy echoes. The palate is ultra sleek, with a silky texture, great freshness that is elegant and light on its feet, like a classical ballet dancer lightly moving around your tongue. Intense but ethereal, elegant and young, but with subtle complexity. Unfortunately, the price is still unknown (I think the 2011 retailed for around 140 euros in Spain), but cannot wait to get my hands on some of these bottles. This is instantly enjoyable, there are no edges to be polished or anything, so you can drink it now. In 2012, they only produced 1,498 bottles, but you have to realize the previous year yielded no more than 500 bottles! One of the instant icons of modern-day Rioja. Elegance in a bottle.