Pago de Carraovejas 'Cuesta de las Liebres' Grandes Anadas 2021 750ml

Product Info

94pts Wine Advocate
The top of the range and price hierarchy, the 2020 Cuesta de Las Liebres comes from 3.19 hectares planted in 1994 on a 30% slope surrounded by pine trees. It fermented in small oak vats with indigenous yeasts and matured in new 225-liter French oak barrels for 24 months. It reached the customary 15% alcohol, showing high ripeness. This is subtler, more elegant, perfumed and a little creamy, with notes of very good quality oak. It's full-bodied, with abundant tannins, a chalky feeling and a long, dry and tasty finish. This should improve with time in bottle. If you pull the cork now, it would benefit from decanting and/or powerful food. 8,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in the 2023 spring. Drink Date: 2027 - 2034

Pago de Carraovejas, the main and original wine project from the Ruiz Aragoneses family from Segovia, is more and more aware of the need to protect the environment, and they have started a number of initiatives to do so, trying to be more sustainable. They keep their 160 hectares of vineyards and a production of 800,000 bottles. 2022 was very challenging, and 2023 was more balanced. Published: Jun 19, 2025. Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez

Terroir
“Cuesta de las Liebres” is the flagship single-vineyard wine from Pago de Carraovejas, sourced from one of the most iconic hillside parcels in Ribera del Duero. The vineyard is dramatically positioned on steep, terraced slopes overlooking the Duero River, where elevation, exposure, and soil composition converge to create a site of exceptional character.

The vineyard sits at altitudes approaching 900 meters, where intense sunlight during the day is balanced by cool nighttime temperatures. This pronounced diurnal shift slows ripening, preserving acidity while allowing for full phenolic development—an essential factor in achieving both power and precision.

The soils are a complex mix of limestone, clay, and gravel, providing both drainage and mineral structure. Limestone contributes tension and longevity, while clay adds depth and richness. The steep slopes naturally limit yields and enhance concentration, resulting in fruit of remarkable intensity.

The 2021 vintage in Ribera del Duero was defined by balance and freshness, with moderate conditions that allowed for extended ripening. The result is a wine that combines structure, elegance, and aromatic clarity—an exceptional expression of this singular site.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
“Cuesta de las Liebres” is crafted from Tempranillo (locally known as Tinto Fino).

At Pago de Carraovejas, grapes are harvested by hand and undergo meticulous sorting to ensure only the highest quality fruit is selected. Fermentation takes place in a combination of oak vats and stainless steel, allowing for precise control over extraction while preserving aromatic purity.

The wine undergoes extended maceration to build depth and structure, followed by aging in French oak barrels for approximately 24 months. The oak regimen is carefully calibrated, using a high proportion of new barrels to support the wine’s concentration while integrating tannins and adding layers of spice and texture.

Following barrel aging, the wine is further refined in bottle before release, allowing the components to harmonize. Alcohol levels typically fall at 15%, supported by firm acidity and a robust tannic framework.

The result is a wine of both power and precision, reflecting a modern yet terroir-driven approach to Ribera del Duero.

Tasting Notes
The 2021 “Cuesta de las Liebres” presents a deep, opaque ruby color with violet undertones, signaling both youth and concentration.

The nose is intense and complex, opening with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and ripe plum, layered with notes of violet, graphite, and spice. With time in the glass, deeper nuances emerge—cocoa, tobacco, cedar, and a subtle balsamic note add dimension and intrigue.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and structured, with a dense core of dark fruit supported by powerful yet finely grained tannins. Flavors of cassis, black cherry, and plum are interwoven with notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and sweet spice.

Despite its concentration, the wine maintains remarkable balance, with acidity providing lift and precision. The texture is both muscular and refined, with a seamless integration of fruit, oak, and structure.

The finish is long and layered, with lingering dark fruit, mineral tension, and a savory, slightly smoky edge that reflects the vineyard’s unique character.

Food Pairing & Service
Serve at 60–65°F (15–18°C) in a large Bordeaux-style glass. Decanting for at least 1–2 hours is strongly recommended, particularly in its youth, to allow the wine to fully open and express its complexity.

This wine pairs best with rich, structured dishes capable of matching its intensity. Grilled or roasted lamb, aged beef, and game meats such as venison or wild boar are ideal pairings, complementing the wine’s depth and tannic structure.

Slow-cooked dishes such as braised short ribs or oxtail work particularly well, as the wine’s acidity and structure balance the richness. For cheese, aged and firm varieties such as Manchego or Comté provide a harmonious pairing.

Cellaring Potential
The 2021 “Cuesta de las Liebres” is built for long-term aging, with a drinking window of 15–25 years.

In its youth, the wine is powerful and tightly structured, but with time, it will evolve into a more complex and refined expression. Expect the development of tertiary characteristics such as leather, cigar box, dried herbs, and earthy undertones.

The tannins will gradually soften and integrate, while the wine’s acidity and mineral backbone ensure continued freshness and longevity. Properly cellared, this wine will reward patience with exceptional depth, nuance, and elegance.