Year after year among the best of Abadía Retuerta, the 2012 Pago Valdebellón is pure Cabernet Sauvignon, quite a rarity in the zone. The vineyard is located at 850 meters altitude with a south facing orientation on white, chalk-rich soils surrounded by pine tree forests. The standard treatment of the single vineyards includes malo in new French oak and 18 months élevage. The oak is nowhere to be found (in any of these single-vineyard reds really); there are minty aromas, hints of earth, blackberries and graphite. It is spicy and ripe, with nothing green either. The palate reveals the telltale, fine, Cabernet Sauvignon tannins, a subtle thread of acidity and an elegant, vibrant finish. This is a gentleman of a wine, with a clear French accent. 5,400 bottles and 340 magnums were produced.