Of course, no matter how interesting Matt Stamp may be, the highlight of these events is always the tasting as he always selects some amazing wines. As expected, they were all interesting and came from some of Ribera del Duero’s top estates. With prices ranging from $15 to $450, there is something here for everyone to get a taste of one of Spain’s best wine regions.
Flight 1
Rosado, 2012
“Montecastrillo”, Bodegas Penalba Lopez This was fresh and fruity with ripe plum and raspberry aromas and
flavors. Plush feel with good acidity. Approximately $15
2011 “Mibal”
Joven, Bodegas Hornillos Ballesteros
Matt said that this was a good year for elevated structure and tannins. As
there was no oak aging in this wine, it was a clear,very pure expression of
Tempranillo. It would be a great red wine for summer. A fresh style with a dark
berry character. Approximately $20
2009 “Vina
Pedrosa” Crianza, Bodegas Perez Pascuas This wine was a bit rustic or more traditionally styled. It had a
rich, spicy vanilla character. Approximately $39
2008 Reserva
Tinto, Pesquera This wine was
produced from a cold, wet and rainy growing season and very few Reservas were
produced this year. The wine lacked ripeness and had higher acidity than the
others. Cranberry, nutmeg, coconut and dill aromas and flavors but less
pronounced. The oak was not fully integrated yet. Approximately $50
Flight 2
2010
Antidoto Lighter weight, juicy ripe
black fruit, good structure, long finish. Approximately $20
2009
“Valdegatiles”, Atauta Less fruity,
more licorice, gritty tannins, full body, higher alcohol. Approximately $125
2008 “24
Meses”, Monteabellon Cranberries,
baking spice, oak and hot dogs. Higher acidity, long finish. Approximately $38
2009 “Pago
de Santa Cruz”, Vina Sastre Big and
rustic. A rich wine with lower acidity. Licorice, coconut, some minerality with a bit
of brett. Approximately $84
Flight 3
2010
Aalto Concentrated ripe blackberry
flavor with dill and sweet oak. Approximately $39
2010 “PSI”,
Pingus More elegant and floral.
Juicy ripe blackberry flavor and grippy tannins. Approximately $40
2001 Gran
Reserva, Valduero More Rioja-like.
Vanilla, cherry, licorice, cedar aromas with a sour cherry and dill flavor and
finish. Approximately $100
2003
“Unico”, Vega Sicilia Pronounced
aromas of blue berries and plums with licorice and leather, juicy flavor with
slightly astringent tannins and a long finish. Approximately $450
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Tempranillo Day