Vintage 2001 - The weather between November 2000 and August 2001 can be termed appropriate for the development of the viticultural cycle. Rainfall was consistent, although chronological distribution was irregular. While there was abundant rain between November and April, the spring was very dry. Temperatures during the summer were average for the season. The 2001 harvest arrived in a perfect condition to Bodegas Ochoa starting with the Merlot on September 5th with a reduced volume but with an impressive quality, all grapes showing an impeccable and healthy condition. Tempranillo came 7 days after Merlot with low yielding and great concentration. The alcoholic fermentation finished perfectly and health and ripeness of the grapes have permitted a good extraction of aromas and colour. New barrels were used for Malolactic Fermentation and ageing. Ending the harvest on October 10th with our Cabernet Sauvignon, we can consider that 2.001 is an exceptional vintage that ages very well.

Vintage 2005 - Climatically-speaking, the growing cycle in 2005 was very satisfactory, with a rather cold winter with abundant snow and then a rainy spring, without late frosts, followed by a dry and hot summer with very little rainfall. Healthy conditions prevailed throughout the vegetative cycle. There were no outbreaks of vineyard pests or diseases, enabling preventive treatments to be kept to a minimum. Excellent quality has more than compensated for any shortfall in production. The picking period was quite extended as each variety was collected at its optimum level of phenolic ripeness. The first grapes (moscatel) were handpicked in early September, while it was the second week of October when we collected the last of the red grapes. The fermentation proceeded perfectly and excellent quality was the result.