Malleolus 2006 by Bodegas Emilio Moro

93 points - [Refers to 2005 vintage] - "Dark ruby-colored, it offers an expressive perfume of toasty oak, pencil lead, spice box, mineral and black fruits. This is followed by a structured, firm wine that has excellent depth and length. It will evolve for 5-7 years and provide pleasure through 2020." -Wine Advocate, Issue 175, February 2008.

COMPOSITION: 100% Tinta del Pais

TASTING NOTES:
[Refers to 2005 vintage] - 93 Points - "The 2005 is an exemplary vintage of Malleolus, a wine that celebrated its 10th birthday last year. With 260 acres of vineyards in the Pesquera de Duero subsection of Ribero del Duero, the Moro family has been making wine since the 19th century. Malleolous, which in Latin means 'vine,' comes from Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) vines planted between 25 and 75 years ago. It's a burly, dark, French-oak-aged bruiser that features coconut, mineral, sweet black-fruit aromas of plum and raisin, marzipan and violets. What it doesn't offer is excess weight, sizzling tannins or overtly crusty oak; it's a dynamic wine with good acidity and perfect integration of barrel-driven and all-natural influences. In the words of Jose Moro, who is in charge of the winery, Malleolus 2005 is on a par with the 2004 and 2001 vintages that he believes are the best to date - and we concur." -Michael Schachner, Wine Enthusiast, September 2009.

[Refers to 2005 vintage] - "Deep ruby. Explosively perfumed, wild aromas of red and dark fruit liqueur, spices and flowers. Dense, sweet raspberry and blackberry flavors overwhelm the palate but possess uncanny freshness and improbable finesse, with no obvious tannins. Seems to get sweeter on the long, gently spicy finish and picks up a deeper espresso quality. At least as impressive as the superb 2004, and perhaps more elegant." - Josh Raynolds, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Sep/Oct 2007

In Latin, "Malleolus" means vine, in Spanish Malleolus means Majuelo, which is a word used specifically in Ribera Del Duero for vineyard. The grapes used in Malleolus are chosen from vines that are 26 to 76 yrs old. The wine was aged for 18 months in French Allier oak.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
The Moro family has been making wine in Ribera del Duero for more 120 years. The family owns 173 acres of vineyards in several parcels within Pesquera de Duero. They are located at 1,950 ft in elevation on the banks of the Duero River. The vineyards used for Emilio Moro wines are 10-25 years old. On the other hand, the vineyards used for Malleolus are 25-75 years old. The oldest vines, over 80 years old, are in Malleolus de Valderramiro wine.