Mauro Baynos 2020

Baynos 2020 is the debut vintage of Bodegas Mauro's acclaimed project in Spain's prestigious Rioja Alavesa. Focused on the unique expression of the soils of Baños de Ebro, it reflects organic and biodynamic viticulture of old vines. 2020 was marked by heavy mildew in the region, which reduced yields but gave highly concentrated wines with excellent freshness.

The Wine Advocate
RP 96

Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez

The 2020 Baynos red aims to express the soils of Baños de Ebro, where the land is poor and clay-rich, with small plots. For the producers, this wine seeks aromatic depth and delicate red fruit with persistence, silky tannins, tension and freshness.

It's a blend of Tempranillo and Graciano, with 14% alcohol and a pH of 3.7, from organically and biodynamically farmed vineyards in conversion to organic certification. The grapes were destemmed but not crushed and fermented in concrete tanks with indigenous yeasts, where malolactic also took place. The wine was then moved to new and used 228-litre French barrels, where it matured for 20 months.

It's surprisingly aromatic, with notes of liquorice, red fruit and flowers, showing structure and finesse. A serious red with fresh, fine tannins, volume, concentration and excellent freshness. Balance, elegance and power.

2020 was more concentrated because of mildew, so there's anticipation for the 2021, tasted from barrel, which showed even more freshness.

Production: 12,000 bottles
Bottled in July 2022.