2012 Alonso del Yerro Maria

The 2012 María is always produced with the fruit from two plots of vineyards, Circo and Violeta, fermented in 6,000-liter oak vats with indigenous yeasts and with a soft maceration. It matured in one-third new, one-third second use and one-third third use French oak barrels for 14 months. The higher ripeness, heat and lack of rain of the year were immediately noticeable when tasted next to the Crianza from 2013. There are notes of candied black fruit and a touch of peat, and it felt a little earthy. The palate has abundant tannins and a dry finish. This might need a little more time in bottle. 6,500 bottles and 100 magnums were filled in July 2014.