Laderas de Cabama is 100% Tempranillo wine made from really old vines in Ollauri, Rioja. They grow in the classic clay and limestone soil. Before the 2018 vintage, this wine was aged in barrels and bottles before being sold, similar to Valenciso’s Reserva. But since 2018, they decided to make Laderas de Cabama in a fresher, more fruity style. They pick the grapes a bit earlier and use a special fermentation method that brings out a juicy taste.

They don’t use new oak barrels. Instead, they ferment the wine in cool concrete and then let it sit in used French oak barrels for 14 months. The result is a spicy and rich wine with flavors of blackberry and plum, along with some spice and tobacco leaf notes from the unique fermentation process. It has a good depth and finishes with a full-bodied, tea-scented taste. It’s great to drink on its own, and it also pairs well with various meat dishes.

The outstanding value Laderas de Cabama is crafted from a single plot of 35-year-old Tempranillo vines. This vineyard, positioned just behind the winery, sits on the classic clay/limestone profile of Ollauri (Rioja Alta). The grapes were fully de-stemmed then naturally fermented in concrete vats where the wine rested for seven months. This was followed by low-toast French oak–and a hint of Caucasian–for just 12 months.

“Powerful and concentrated, this has a great tannin structure that makes it seem rather young for its age. There’s a very nice balance on the warm and generous finish that pulls you back for more. Drink or hold.” 92 points, James Suckling

“Was one of my top wines. It’s highly complex, with great depth of ripe, dark fruit and cedary oak on the nose. The rich, round palate continues this, adding hints of chocolate and spices. It has balance and line through the mouth. Paterson described it as: “A well-composed wine with fragrant, concentrated fruit and lively, integrated acidity. The savouriness, and the soft, bright fruit is a delicious combination. Intriguing layers and delicious savoury complexity. Vibrancy, intensity, purity and balance.”” 93 points, Nick Bulleid MW, Gourmet Traveller Wine