Wine-maker: Iñigo Sáenz de Samaniego
Vineyard management: Ernesto Sáenz de Samaniego/Iñigo Sáenz de Samaniego
Region: D.O.C. Rioja, Subzone Rioja Alavesa
Vintage: 2007
Official Vintage Rating: Very Good
Release Date: December 2011

Vineyards: The grapes come from our oldest vineyards around the villages of Samaniego, Leza, Laguardia and Elciego, at an average altitude of 580 metros above sea level. Poor calcareous/clay and stony soils, on south facing slopes. The subsoil is made up of various layers of white rock.

Climate: Mediterranean climate with a strong Atlantic influence. Extreme winer-summer contrasts.
Precipitation: 577 litres
Average temperatures: mean minimum temperature 7,2ºC/ mean maximum temperature 18,3ºC, overall mean temperature 12,1ºC.
Rainy days: 102
Hours of Sunshine: 2.538

The vineyards: 100% tempranillo. Vineyards over 50 years old
Density of plantas: 3.000 vines/hectare. Goblet pruning
Production: 5.000 Kg/hectare. The handpicked grapes were taken to the winery in 15kg crates, between 12th-15th October.  Wine-making Process: Vineyard grape selection, only the best grapes are taken to the winery.
Light destemming process to avoid damaging the grapes.
Pre-fermentation cold maceration process.
Alcoholic fermentation is small capacity vats for 18 days at a maximum temperature of 29ºC.
Reworking and breaking up the cap as appropriate during the fermentation process.
100% malolactic fermentation in new French oak casks.
16 months cask ageing
The wine has not undergone any stabilisation or filtering process.
Bottling date: 24th of May 2009

Tasting Notes: Ruby red colour with hints. Bright and intense on the nose, mainly fruit aromas (blackberry) and liquorice. The entry is well structured, savor and long. Modest memories of the French oak word plus an attractive milky touch. Large, noble and full tannins. Powerful and characteristic background in a very pleasing ending.
Analysis:
Alcohol: 14,35%
Total acidity: 4,7 g/l
PH: 3,75
Volatile acidity: 0,52 g/l

Production: 8.462 bottles (75 cl.)