The mealy, herbal and balsamic 2012 Finca Espolla showed less oak than the other reds in its price range. It's a Mediterranean blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Monastrell and 20% Garnacha Tinta aged in new French oak barrels for 16 months. The palate is also softer, and the tannins less drying, but it's still intensely oaky and difficult to guess what grapes went into the blend, as the wood tends to cover the character. 14,700 bottles.