R. Parker (93/100)
I also had the chance to taste the 2012 L'Hostal, the first vintage of their pure Cariñena, which will be produced also in 2014 and 2015 but no 2013 or 2016 will exist. This is a wine from the beginning of their transformation, from riper and more concentrated wines to something that better reflects their village through indigenous grapes. It has a completely different profile: three years in old barrels and one further year in bottle before it's released, so it has little fruit aromas and it's more developed, showing the earthy rusticity of the grape variety. 2012 was a ripe year, yet the wine does not show high ripeness; in fact, it felt quite fresh, especially with lively acidity in the palate. It felt complex, developed and ready, with character and personality, more nuanced than the 2014 right now. Super tasty, characterful Cariñena from limestone-rich soils. All their wines from 2012 are organic and biodynamic-farming certified by Demeter. 900 bottles were filled in early 2016.