Casa Lebai

Overview

Casa Lebai is located in the high-altitude village of Gumiel de Mercado in Ribera del Duero, where pronounced diurnal temperature swings result in wines with excellent freshness and structure. The estate produces two key wines: the multi-vineyard “Matadiablos” (vines planted 1997, coming into prime now) and the single-vineyard “El Portillo” (1936-planted field blend at 829m elevation, easterly exposition). Both are raised in 3,000L foudres for one year and given an additional year of bottle aging before release. John Gilman regards this as one of the most interesting Ribera del Duero estates, particularly for the age-worthiness of the wines.

Appellations

• Ribera del Duero — Gumiel de Mercado, high altitude (829m+); easterly exposition for cooler morning sun

Key Wines

• El Portillo — single vineyard; 1936 planting; 3.6 ha; 95% Tempranillo + Garnacha and Bobal; 829m altitude; raised in 3,000L foudres + 1 year bottle aging; “going to be stellar”
• Matadiablos — multi-parcel; 1997 planting; fermented stainless steel; raised in 3,000L foudres + 1 year bottle aging

Style Notes

High-altitude Ribera del Duero with more freshness and structure than lower-altitude estates. Tempranillo spice tones, cassis, dark berries, cigar ash; superb soil signature; buried tannins. Both wines are structured enough to demand 10–15 years cellaring but show excellent long-term potential. The old-vine El Portillo is more structured than Matadiablos.

Tasting Notes from VFTC #110

Wine	Vintage	Score	Drink Window
Matadiablos	2021	93	2034–2075
El Portillo	2021	94	2036–2075+

My Tastings

(none yet)

Sources

• sources/articles/VFTC/VFTC March-April 2024 #110.txt — Spain/Portugal section; Castilla y León / Ribera del Duero subsection