This renowned 100% Tempranillo—once famously called “the Pétrus of Spain” by Robert Parker, comes from Estate vineyards in Lucia, Vina Alto and Llano Santiago. These are high elevation sites (2,400 feet) and the vines are between 30 and 40 years of age. The soils are poor and well-drained and are composed of sand and gravel over a limestone and clay subsoil. The late-harvested grapes were mostly destemmed, leaving maximum whole berries, and the ferment occurred only with natural yeasts after a cold soak. All vineyard blocks were vinified separately. The unclarified wine went directly to 225-300 litre oak after pressing. Fernández' oak vessels are an astute blend of American, Spanish and French oak, custom-cured and made by Spain's finest coopers. None of the wines are filtered.