Aalto Ribera del Duero Tempranillo 2018 (Spain) Rated 95JD

Jeb Dunnuck Review
Rated 95
Starting with the 2018 Aalto (100% Tempranillo), this perennial winner boasts a deep purple hue as well as a rocking nose of black raspberry and cassis fruits interwoven with lots of Asian spices, cedarwood, lead pencil, chocolate, and graphite. Rich, full-bodied, and powerful, with a great mid-palate, it stays light on its feet and has a focused, pure texture, notable tannins, and a great finish. This is a head-turning, beautifully textured Ribera del Duero to enjoy over the coming decade or more. Drink 2021-2032.

Wine Tasting Notes
The primary wine, known simply as Aalto Ribera del Duero comes from vines ranging in age from 40-80 years old supplemented with younger vine fruit that is about 15 years old. It is aged in for 18 months in French (85%) and American (15%) oak with half of the barrels new. It is a voluminous Ribera del Duero showing winemaker Mariano's deft hand at capturing both the power and grace of a variety, Tinto Fino, that tends towards rusticity in the hot climate of this region.