I also had two vintages to taste of the top red from Páganos, starting with the 2014 La Nieta. The La Nieta vineyard, planted in 1975, has very shallow soils and produces concentrated grapes. The wine fermented with destemmed grapes and remontage, then matured in new French oak barrels for 16 months. The oak is more noticeable here than in the 2015 that I tasted next to it, not only on the nose but also in the texture and mouthfeel. I think this still needs a little bit of time in bottle. 5,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2016.

This bold red shows energy and concentration. Charry, licorice and loamy earth flavors give this an austere, savory character, but there's a core of plum and currant. Mineral and floral notes emerge on the finish. In the modern style. Drink now through 2026. 100 cases made, 75 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add