Top Ribera del Duero wines from Decanter Panel Tasting - Part I

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.

Wines

Finca Villacreces, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2014 Finca Villacreces, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2014

Finca Villacreces, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2014

90

Highly recommended

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.

Antonino Izquierdo, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2012 Antonino Izquierdo, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2012

Antonino Izquierdo, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2012

90

Highly recommended

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.

Valdaya, Mirum, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2014 Valdaya, Mirum, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2014

Valdaya, Mirum, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2014

91

Highly recommended

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.

Protos, Finca el Grajo Viejo, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2014 Protos, Finca el Grajo Viejo, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2014

Protos, Finca el Grajo Viejo, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2014

91

Highly recommended

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.

Linaje Garsea, Archangelus Gabrihel French, Crianza, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2011 Linaje Garsea, Archangelus Gabrihel French, Crianza, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2011

Linaje Garsea, Archangelus Gabrihel French, Crianza, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2011

91

Highly recommended

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.

Dominio Basconcillos, Viña Magna, Crianza, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2012 Dominio Basconcillos, Viña Magna, Crianza, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2012

Dominio Basconcillos, Viña Magna, Crianza, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2012

91

Highly recommended

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.

Diodoro, Autor, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2009 Diodoro, Autor, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2009

Diodoro, Autor, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2009

91

Highly recommended

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.

Alberto Y Benito, Briego Fiel, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2009 Alberto Y Benito, Briego Fiel, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2009

Alberto Y Benito, Briego Fiel, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2009

91

Highly recommended

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

Asenjo & Manso, Silvanus, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2010 Asenjo & Manso, Silvanus, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2010

Asenjo & Manso, Silvanus, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2010

92

Highly recommended

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

Negón, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2012 Negón, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2012

Negón, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2012

93

Highly recommended

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.

Arzuaga, Gran Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2004 Arzuaga, Gran Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2004

Arzuaga, Gran Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2004

94

Highly recommended

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.