The 2018 La Mala could be the most mineral among the 2018s. It's also a little lower in alcohol and pH, so fine-boned and vibrant, with a bright ruby color, expressive nose and super fine, chalky tannins. This comes from 10 plots that total 0.7 hectares on a north-facing slope at 980 meters in altitude with vines that are 130 years old. "La mala" (the bad) was the nickname the growers gave to the zone due to the extremely low yields it delivered, but you know, sometimes low yields produce superb results. All the work in the vineyard follows the biodynamic calendar (although the wines are not certified), and the grapes are handpicked into 11-kilogram boxes, the bunches destemmed but the grapes not crushed and fermented with indigenous yeasts in 1,000-liter stainless steel tanks where malolactic is also carried out. This is a constant in the single-vineyard wines, and in 2018, the wine saw an élevage of 18 months in second use French oak barrels. This feels very young but approachable, as it's very balanced and fresh, with a medium-bodied palate that reveals acidity, length and pure, delineated flavors that stay in your mouth for ages. 752 bottles were filled in July 2020.

A bold, sculpted red that marries expression and power. Reveals a lush range of baked blackberry, fig cake, mocha and raspberry puree notes backed by racy acidity, while hints of loamy earth and fragrant tobacco provide a pleasing, savory counterpoint. Drink now through 2032. 76 cases made, 10 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add

Perhaps the most approachable of the 2017 single-vineyard wines is the 2017 La Mala, and in fact, it feels more harmonious than the already great 2016. In fact, I like it better than the 2016! It has good ripeness, slightly lower alcohol than others and very good freshness. It has some restraint and doesn't show any heat, even in a warmer year like 2017, as the clay from the soil seems to make it very homogeneous. It has very chalky tannins, giving it a mineral texture. It matured in 100% used oak and produced 863 bottles. It was bottled in August 2019.

A firm, focused red, with fine, chalky tannins married to an enticing range of ripe black raspberry, balsamico, herbed olive and a sanguine iron note. Leans toward dark and brooding, but shows a lovely vibrancy that makes this more compelling. The long finish echoes graphite and spice notes. Best from 2025 through 2035. 76 cases made, 10 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add

As the 2015 was not produced, I tasted the 2016 La Mala, the following vintage after the 2014. They vinify three different wines and then blend them. The vines have a lot of vigor but deliver small and loose bunches. 2016 has lots of finesse with good ripeness and fine tannins. It aged exclusively in used oak, a change form the past, and the oak feels very integrated. This is a wine with lots of personality, combining power and elegance. 876 numbered bottles were filled in September 2019.