Virtually flawless, Flor de Silos comes from pre-phylloxera Tinto Fino vines, grown on sandy soils in the eastern part of the DO. The  wine exalts in all that is good about Ribera del Duero, namely an unabashed deep purple colour, ripe ripe fruit ( black cherry and damson are especially evident) and pure linear acidity, courtesy of the altitude of the  vineyard. Balsamic notes, spice, sousbois and licorice are all evidenced, underlining an inherent complexity which demonstrates very well why 2012 has a good reputation. The wine has been aged for eighteen months in French barrels. 

Generous notes of cherry, raspberry, clove and tea. Pure and fine, with gentle tannins and texture which builds gently across the palate. The 2012 feels ‘light on its feet’ and silky with a lovely flow throughout. This is the most refined, discreet offering from Artadi.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer

Juan Carlos López de Lacalle, owner and winemaker of Artadi, is recognised as one of the greatest names in the business in Spain. The winery was once a co-operative of 13 growers who owned well-sited vineyards around the town of Laguardia in the Alavesa wine region of Rioja. Juan Carlos saw the potential of these wonderful vineyards and purchased the Bodega, immediately amending the philosophy and style of winemaking. The winemaking is modern with an emphasis upon fruit driven wines, characterised by the terroir of individual vineyard sites – a far cry from the philosophy of traditional Rioja producers. French oak is used, not American, allowing the principle variety, Tempranillo, eloquent natural expression.