Ribera del Duero 'El Espino'

Score

95

"Fresh, crunchy quality to the red and citrus fruit backed by distinct vegetal and herbal notes: roasted tomatoes and peppers, coffee beans, sweet liquorice, dark chocolate, tarragon and saffron. Great energy and lift throughout. Beautiful tannic structure, assertive but elegantly lined with oregano, violets and Earl Grey. A really lovely wine, with lots of energy and character."

Score

95

"Fresh blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, and black pepper with cocoa powder and fine spices. Perfumed and fruit-expressive yet deep. Very soft-spoken oak here. Really juicy and precise on the palate with fine, chalky tannins. Shows tension and length. Drink or hold."

Score

93

"The 2021 El Espino comes from a 25-year-old vineyard. It was aged 12 months in used barrels and shows fruit at the core‡black cherry‡with a delicate balsamic touch, soft wood and a pleasant overall profile. The fruit is precise. This is a medium-bodied wine with a delicate juicy note and fine tannins. Well made, ending on a lightly juicy note."

Score

91

"An enticing core of ripe red and black currant fruit is enmeshed with firm, fine-grained tannins that provide good tension for this focused red. Fragrant ground coffee, loamy earth and brambly herb notes linger through the finish. Best from 2027 through 2037. 2,900 cases made.  –AN"