Montecastro 2009 [Red]
Producer: Bodegas y Viñedos Montecastro
Region: DO Ribera del Duero

This is one of the finest Riberas I've had the pleasure to taste in some time. Made from 100% Tempranillo with 19 months aging in mostly French oak barrels. It's a beautifully made, "terror" driven wine. A joy to drink now and will grow in the cellar. Outstanding and a great value.

A nice deep dark cherry red color. Dark berry fruit (blueberry), subtle spice, clean toasty oak and a hint of mineral (chalk/limestone) on the nose. Nice concentration, but not overdone with nicely integrated oak, ripe berry fruit and a repeat of the umami-like mineral flavor on the palate. Rich, silky smooth with a very long finish. Wow!

[$M]
18 May 2013