Díaz Bayo
20 Meses Reserva – 2015
Region: Spain - Castilla y Leon
Díaz Bayo
For more than ten generations, the Díaz Bayo family has been dedicated to the cultivation of the land in the Ribera del Duero. The tradition of vineyard cultivation in the municipality of Fuentelcésped dates back to 1177. Familia Díaz Bayo vineyards were planted in the valley of the Nava stream, an ideal spot due to the sunny slopes, abundant loose soil and pebbles.
The Díaz Bayo family makes wines from the red grape varietal Tempranillo and the white grape varietal Albillo. The first written mention of Albillo is from the 15th century in Agricultura General by Gabriel Alonso de Herrera in which he says that the wine made from this variety is described as “very clear, with gentle color and taste.”
Located along the Arroyo de la Nava, a high valley just 10 miles to the southeast of modern-day Aranda de Duero, the estate comprises nearly 41ha (100 acres) in multiple parcels between 2800 and 3200 feet above sea level in elevation. The soil is comprised of limestone, marl and clay. Various exposures contribute to fruit diversity and extended harvest time. The vines range from 12-100 years of age.
The vineyards are farmedusing organic principles, hand-harvested and fermented in a mixture of oak vats, cement vats and stainless steel.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
El Mirón, El Gallo, Las Fuentes Viejas estate vineyards in D. O. Ribera del Duero.
- Altitude: 2950 – 3150 feet
- Soils: Clayey-calcareous limestone
- Vines Planted 1930 – 2000
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested
- Destemmed before crushing
- Fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks
- Malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels
- Aged 20 months in barrel
- Aged in bottle at least 12 months before release
Winemaker's Notes
Saturated red cherry color. Intense aromas of black fruit with balsamic and mineral notes and hints of cocoa and coffee. An ample, rich palate with fleshy texture.
Wine Summary
100% Tempranillo; alcohol: 14%; estate vineyards El Mirón, El Gallo, Las Fuentes Viejas at 2950 – 3150 feet; vines planted 1930 – 2000 in clayey-calcareous limestone; hand harvested; destemmed; fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks; malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels; aged 20 months in barrel; aged at least 12 months in barrel before release.
Technical Information
- 100% Tempranillo
- Alcohol: 14%
Reviews
91 Points
Dusty spices with fresh dark cherries, blackberries, stones, dried coriander and some cocoa powder. Still quite primary with nicely sinewy tannins on a full-bodied palate. Nicely long. Drink now.
jamessuckling.com, September, 2023
93 Points
BEST OF YEAR 2023
Aromas of brambly berries, mocha and caramel set the stage for blackberry, raspberry, bittersweet-chocolate, fennel-pollen and lavender flavors. This wine is juicy at first sip and then muscular tannins take hold of the palate and hang on into a slightly chewy yet bright, fruit-splashed finish.
Wine Enthusiast, December, 2023
93 Points
Dark, glistening garnet. Smoke-accented dark berries, vanilla, potpourri and spicecake scents on the deeply perfumed nose; suggestions of woodsmoke and licorice add complexity. Fleshy, sweet and concentrated, offering intense blackberry, cherry cola and blueberry flavors and hints of mocha and fruitcake. The floral quality reappears on a very long, subtly tannic finish that leaves mocha and exotic spice notes behind.2021 – 2030
Vinous, January, 2021
General Info
| COUNTRY | Spain |
| REGION | Castilla y Leon |
| APPELLATION | D.O. Ribera del Duero |
| PROPRIETORS | The Diaz Bayo Family |
| FOUNDED | Dates back to the 1100’s |
| WINEMAKER | Isaac Fernandez Montana |
| ANNUAL PRODUCTION | 2,500 9L cases |
| FARMING (SUSTAINABLE, ORGANIC, BIODYNAMIC) | Farmed using organic principles & sustainable methods, including dry farming |