The 2013 Roble derives its name from the fact that it was matured in oak barrels (roble means oak) for four months. It's pure Tempranillo fermented in stainless steel after one night cold soak with selected yeasts. It shows the difficulties of the vintage -- late, rainy and challenging -- showing a combination of overripe and herbal aromas that are quite blurry. The palate shows similar sensations. 30,000 bottles.

The 2011 La Legua Roble is pure Tempranillo aged in American oak for six months (60% new). It offers billowing red berry fruit on the nose, with attractive marine-like notes adding more complexity than the Joven. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth as silk: there is not a rough edge in sight here! It is well-balanced, plush and generous in the mouth, with a rounded raspberry and spice-tinged finish that does not outstay its welcome. It is well-made and unashamedly approachable. Drink now-2015. While I am accustomed to music being piped into barrel cellars to “calm” the wines during their maturation, my visit to Bodegas La Legua marked the first occasion where the music was “l(fā)ive.” One hopes that the guitarist, strumming away on his electric guitar on his portable amp, is allowed out for air once in a while. In the 1970s, Bodegas La Legua was the first winery in Cigales to plant red varieties only, and to this day they are one of the few to eschew rose. Proprietor and neurologist Emeterio Fernandez owns 80 hectares of vine around the winery, which is sub-divided into six-hectare parcels. The average age of vine is 35 years, and they produce around 250,000 bottles per year. For those that have never tasted Cigales wine before, La Legua offer a perfect, affordable introduction to its delights with a superb portfolio that I found beautifully crafted, natural and refined. Importer: Steve Berardi, Denver, CO; (303) 329-3180; and Berry Brother & Rudd (UK).

La Legua’s crimson-colored 2008 Roble is 100% Tempranillo aged for 6 months in French and American oak. The nose displays a touch of oak along with earth notes, violets, black cherry, and black raspberry. On the palate it has good volume and grip, spicy flavors, a bit of structure, and a fruit-filled finish. This excellent value will provide pleasure for another 5-6 years. Importer: Steven Berardi Selections, Denver, CO; tel. (303) 838-1963

Open nose with poised aromas of spices and red berry fruits. Crisp, fresh palate of characterful tangy fruit. Good length.