Professional Reviews
April 2008:
“
Elegant and austere, this polished red shows flashes of black cherry, mineral, game and espresso, solidly structured yet well-balanced. Deftly made but needs time to express itself. Best after 2008.
91 points.
” –
Wine Spectator
May 2012: “
Deep ruby color with a tinge of garnet toward the rim, slightly showing its eight years. A complex, layered nose of ripe fruit draws you in, slowly unfurling to reveal plums, berry fruit, cherry, cigar box, a strong savory minerality with mature notes of leather, dried leaves, warm earth and a hint of game. Rich and opulent mouthfeel. Supple, powdery tannins add structure to the high concentration of ripe fleshy fruit. Generous warming mouthfeel with well-balanced and integrated alcohol. A full-bodied and complex wine that evolves gracefully in the glass. Very long length. Manages to combine power and grace.
” – The Vitis Wine-Tasting Team
Discover
Aging Potential: Enjoy through 2017.
Cheese Pairing: Try this Douro red with some aged Gouda such as Parrano.
Ribero del Duero
This is an important, high quality wine region in the Castilla Y Leon area of Spain and home to acclaimed producer Vega Sicilia. Ribero del Duero spans the upper part of the river Duero (known as Douro in Portugal). Red wines dominate, and are made from a clone of Tempranillo, known as Tinto Fino or Tinto del Pais. Ribero del Duero wines are typically deeper colored with firmer tannins than their Rioja counterparts. International varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which were planted in the region by Vega Sicilia over 100 years ago, are also permitted in Ribero del Duero DO wines.