The 2013 Gran Tabula showed more oak and ripeness, especially toasty aromas and hints of prunes. The palate also showed plenty of tannins, like the more challenging vintage would have needed a softer élevage. 4,977 bottles were filled in September 2015.

The 2012 Gran Tabula, produced with the grapes from three plots of old vineyards fermented in an oak vats, matured in barriques for 18 months and a further six months in the oak vat again. There are a lot of balsamic aromas; it's creamy and oaky with plenty of spices (clove, nutmeg, cinnamon) and ripe dark cherries. The palate shows plenty of dusty tannins, is slightly rustic and has good balance on the dry finish. Enjoy with powerful food. 4,000 bottles produced.

The 2011 Gran Tabula, produced with old-vine Tempranillo from vineyards around Roa and La Horra, seems similar to the Tabula with time in oak and more added tannins from the elevage, which may take away, rather than add, as the wine show less freshness and more drying tannins. Drink now-2017. Tabula was created in 2002. They work vineyards in Olivares de Duero in the province of Valladolid where they are located, and also in Roa and La Horra in Burgos. Multiple U.S. importers: Las Arribes, LLC., Vine Imports and Vitis Imports

The 2009 Gran Tabula includes all three vineyards that usually make up the wine (El Varril, La Valera and La Guindalera). There is far more confidence and breeding in the nose with vivacious macerated red cherries, boysenberry jam and a touch of iodine. The palate is full-bodied with succulent ripe blueberry and boysenberry fruit. There is a firm backbone to this wine and unlike the previous vintage there is more weight and presence on the primal finish. It will need a couple of years in bottle. Drink 2014-2020. Bodegas Tabula is situated close to the village of Olivares del Duero. They cultivate 24 hectares of vine on rich, limestone soils in the middle of which lies the modern-looking, two-story winery that I visited during my stay. The philosophy here is to respect and translate the terroir of Ribera del Duero and they do a fine job, in particular at the entry-level end and the Damana range, which is where we begin. The Damana 5 is pure Tempranillo from the 10-year-old Tabula vineyard that is aged in 80% French and 20% American oak barrels for five months. Importer: several including Casa Ventura Imports wwwvinocava.net and Vitis Imports, Inglewood, CA; tel. (310) 674-1112 and www.bibendum-wine.co.uk (UK).

The 2008 Gran Tabula undergoes a similar vinification as the Tabula, but undergoes vinification in a small vat. It comes from two (rather than the usual three) vineyards in Roa from 60-year-old vines. Cropped at 1,500 kilogram per hectare and aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months, it has an accomplished nose, the new oak seamlessly integrated into the plush black fruit laced with creme de cassis and crushed stone. The palate is well-balanced with rounded black fruit laced with graphite and Asian spices, while the slightly attenuated finish is harmonious: very composed and elegant. This is a well-crafted Ribera to age over the next decade. Just 3,500 bottles produced. Drink 2014-2025. Bodegas Tabula is situated close to the village of Olivares del Duero. They cultivate 24 hectares of vine on rich, limestone soils in the middle of which lies the modern-looking, two-story winery that I visited during my stay. The philosophy here is to respect and translate the terroir of Ribera del Duero and they do a fine job, in particular at the entry-level end and the Damana range, which is where we begin. The Damana 5 is pure Tempranillo from the 10-year-old Tabula vineyard that is aged in 80% French and 20% American oak barrels for five months. Importer: several including Casa Ventura Imports wwwvinocava.net and Vitis Imports, Inglewood, CA; tel. (310) 674-1112 and www.bibendum-wine.co.uk (UK).