Emilio Moro : Malleolus 2022

A rich red in an extracted style, with a glossy sheen to the juicy core of wild boysenberry, blueberry and mulberry fruit. Yet this offers balance as well, with a bright tang of orange peel acidity and supple tannins providing a fine, focusing frame. Aromatic on the finish, showing hints of candied violet, anise and sweet smoke. Drink now through 2035. 20,000 cases made, 8,000 cases imported.

Very expressive aromas of blackberries, black olives and graphite. The palate is quite firm, with dark fruit flavors. Needs a couple of years to soften. Better from 2028.

From the stony soils of Ribera del Duero, the 2022 Malleolus delivers a ripe profile shaped by both site selection and a warm year. Aromas of blackberry, anise and oak mingle with a hint of cedar and layers of herbs. The palate is broad and slightly indulgent, with grippy tannins that feel a bit rigid on the gums but do not break the enveloping flow. Intensity of flavor and grip drive the finish. A well-made, rich interpretation of Ribera.

The 2022 Malleolus is another 100% Tempranillo, with a reductive nose. It has generous upfront oak and complex tannins, very ripe in full-bodied layers of blackberry and blueberry that taste nearly of jam. Secondary characteristics of spice, balsamic, and tobacco linger on the dense finish. Wait to open and drink ideally between 2030-2040.