Ribera del Duero is known for big names and big wines — plush, oak-driven Tempranillos built for cellars and collectors. La Loba is something entirely different.

This is the personal project of Isabel Palomar, who farms a handful of ancient Tempranillo vines in the remote Soria subzone. It’s a rugged corner of Ribera, high in altitude and far to the east, where sandy soils and cooler nights produce wines with finer tannins and lifted aromatics. These vines are over a hundred years old, their roots deep in untouched soils that have never known chemicals.

Palomar’s approach is as singular as her vineyards. She works alone, harvesting by hand, fermenting with native yeasts, and aging the wine in neutral barrels so the terroir speaks clearly. The result is an expression of Ribera that’s almost shocking in its elegance: powerful, yes — but perfumed, mineral, and full of detail.

La Loba is becoming a cult favorite in Spain, snapped up by the country’s sommeliers on every release.  It’s proof that even in a region as famous as Ribera del Duero, there are still new stories to tell.

One thing that Palomar’s Ribera has in common with more classic Ribera is the tradition of extended elevage (aging in cash and in bottle) before release. We are pleased to offer her 6 year-old Ribera today:

La Loba Ribera del Duero 2019 - $54.99
" The 2019 La Loba is a 100% Tempranillo from Soria in Ribera del Duero and was aged nine months in French oak barrels. A dark garnet-red in color. On the nose, ripe fruit mingles with plum jam, hints of olive, wild herbs and a touch of blood. The palate has a dry, firm character, robust structure and body balanced by mild acidity. This is a potent interpretation of the highlands of Ribera del Duero. " - 90 points, Joaquín Hidalgo (Vinous)