Ribera del Duero is the ‘other’ classic red wine region in Spain. Much smaller than Rioja in terms of production, it includes a few top names of almost mythical dimension, such as Vega Sicilia and Pingus, and a bunch of producers that deliver top quality in consistent fashion.
This week try 11 top wines from the Decanter Ribera del Duero panel tasting. All wines are above 90 points.
This wine is quite young now, with plenty of creamy new oak and layered blackberry fruit and a few stewed plums thrown in. But it shows charming complexity, punchy tannins and therefore a capacity to age.
A slightly different, brooding style that is restrained and elegant, and surprisingly fresh for its age. Notes of black olives and leather come through with alluring concentration and drive, finishing with power and spice.
Enticing nose of cedar, smoke and herbs, this is a popular style with plump stone fruits and a prickle of acidity. It is youthful but perfect for current drinking as tannins are nicely absorbed with a classy finish.
Stylish, smoky new vanilla oak swirls around the glass, with that charm of dark fruits and a note of cedar. Palate is bursting with blackberries and damsons, this is a modern Ribera of great intensity.
This is discreetly developed but also rich in sweet cherry fruit. There is just enough tangy acidity before the rasp of tannin kicks in and leads to remarkable persistence.
Fine tarry notes on the nose with ripe red fruits peeking through. This is powerful and tightly grained, but is approachable now as there is real depth and a long, lush, cassis finish.
Wonderful mature characteristics still with a red berry strain through it. There is a light punch of citrus acid, and it is fine and rounded in the mouth. Perhaps a bit short on acidity, but perfect to drink now.
Lifted, toasty oak on the nose which carries onto the midpalete, with rich fruits, raspberries and cherries coming through. Light rasp of tannin, savoury spicy finish will make this excellent for food
The dream vintage, a real joy to drink. Living up to its vintage with its generous fruit, delicious complex tobacco, spice and earth tones. With a ripe open palate, it displays friendliness, balance and a prickle of acid
Dense and leathery, there is plenty of oak in this classic approach. There is generous fruit underneath too, with a focused structure that is tight and impressively built. Eucalyptus and ripe velvety tannins on the bold finish.
Sophisticated leather and tobacco nose. Silky, sweet and deliciously integrated and mature yet it retains its vigour and life. Distinctive in the mouth, with much class. Everything a Gran Reserva should be. It's a traditional, retro style.