The 2011 Heredad Candela is produced from 75- to 85-year-old Monastrell vines, which start fermentation in open vats and finish it in barriques, where it undergoes malolactic fermentation and aging for 10 months. The nose shows ripe blueberries, with some rusticity (tree bark) a touch of black olives and a sweet sensation that reminds me of the fresh grapes. The palate shows the concentration of the old vines; the wood and alcohol are well-integrated, it has good structure and acidity with fine-grained tannins. It shows the Mediterranean character while keeping the freshness. 30,000 bottles were produced. Drink 2013-2017.
Senorio de Barahonda was created in 1924, but it was not until the 1990s that they start bottling Yecla wines. They own 145 hectares of vineyards and work and control a further 4000 belonging to other suppliers.
Imported by Ole Imports, New Rochelle, NY; tel. (914) 740-4724; www.oleimports.com