Tiento 2014

The top-of-the range 2014 Tiento is a blend of Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from 14-year-old vines planted on granite soils. It fermented with indigenous yeasts after a cold soak and went through malolactic in new barriques, then it saw an élevage of 12 months in 300-liter French oak barrels, 40% new. I see a lot more influence from the élevage, with plenty of spicy and smoky aromas, and it feels a little more anonymous. This is only the third vintage of this wine, and it's slightly international in style, elegant and with finesse. The blend changes depending on the conditions of the vintage. The palate is powerful but balanced, and the ripeness is moderate. 1,500 bottles and 85 magnums produced. It was bottled in July 2016.