The 2017 vintage rated as "Very Good" has been characterized by being a warm and dry year. Low water reserves at the start became more severe during the months of July and August, when conditions were extremely dry except for some heavy rains towards the beginning of the harvest. Yet without a doubt the defining moment of the year was the frost that affected much of Ribera del Duero on April 28th, immediately following budding, resulting in weak plant mass. This affected plant growth and flowering for the entire year resulting in major production losses. This mishap was followed by some very hot months in June and July. Due to these events the wines of this year are characterized by being wines with more volume and medium acidity. Perfect to drink while young and with a good capacity for aging.
After a dry winter, spring came loaded with rain. Thankfully, this water was stored, since it was much needed during the extremely dry summer. The low temperatures during spring delayed the sprouting of the vines, which led the growth cycle to start with delay. However, this delay was offset thanks to the high temperatures recorded in July and August, to the point of delaying ripening in those younger vineyards.
The 2016 vintage beat the production record of the 2014 vintage. And not only in production, but also in quality due to the excellent weather conditions and the excellent health of the vineyards.
The wines from this vintage offer a lot of volume, with a good capacity to face the passing of time, with roundness and spectacular tannins. A harvest reminiscent of those of the late 80s and early 90s.
The 2015 vintage started with a winter that had good groundwater reserves. The spring was warm and dry until well into the month of June, when there were intense rainfall at the beginning of the blooming. A summer with some well spread out storms gave way to a very dry autumn.
The harvest was slightly ahead of the usual dates, but the analytical and organoleptic features, and the balance of the berries, were ideal. Thus enabled the harvest to take place at the optimal ripening time.
The wines from this vintage, which was classified as excellent, have a good colour intensity, significant fruity notes on the nose and a high tannic potential in the mouth, with sweet tannins that indicate the good phenolic ripening of the berries. A vintage reminiscent of the exceptional 2005 vintage.
After the withering in a mild winter, the warm start of spring brought sprouting forward by almost 10 days. The summer, which was quite cool and dry, enabled the good evolution of the growth cycle and a balanced ripening. This was a vintage without setbacks. Worth mentioning is the high production of this vintage due to good climatic behaviour during the harvest.
The wines from this vintage have great colour intensity, and a high fruity expression on the nose and in the mouth. Their balance and tannic potential stand out; these features show us the great potential to produce great wines for ageing, and for lighter and fruitier productions.
Sight
Very intense cherry, vivid and dark, with a purple trim. Upper middle layer and thin tear. Nose
Good intensity with a great fruitiness. Notes of ripe black fruit such as plums, blackberries and herbal touches. Sweet and harmonious. Taste
Good entry, tasty and full bodied. Silky, with very fleshy fruits and bitter coco. Notes of menthol, strawberry and blackberry.
Sight
Intense and dark cherry red colour with violet edge. Bright and clean. Medium-high robe and thin tear. Nose
Aromatic and elegant whole. Good intensity with a great load of fruit. Initially, aromas of leather and fine toasted hints give way to a very expressive and aromatic black fruit together with creamy and spiced notes. Sweet and harmonious. Taste
Elegant and very tasty. Bulky wine with a good attack. Silky mid-palate, with very fleshy fruit. Fresh acidity and little dry but pleasant tannins. Great structure. Persistent finish which leaves fruity sensations and subtle toasted hints.
Sight
Intense and dark cherry red colour with violet edge. Bright and clean. Medium-high robe and thin tear. Nose
Elegant aromatic whole. Good intensity with plenty of fruit. Initially, we can perceive leather hints and fine toasted nuances which give way to a very expressive and aromatic black fruit accompanied by creamy and spiced notes. Sweet and harmonious. Taste
Elegant and very tasty. Good entrance, full-bodied. Silky mid-palate with very fleshy fruit. Fresh acidity and tannins slightly dry but pleasant. Good structure. Persistent finish which leaves fruity and subtle toasted sensations.
Sight
Intense dark cherry colour with purple edges. Bright and clean wine with a medium-high layer and thin tears. Nose
Elegant aromatic set with a good aromatic intensity and a good load of fruity aromas. Initially, the notes of leather and the refined toasted aromas are released. They give way to a very expressive and aromatic touch of black fruit which is wrapped in creamy and spicy aromas.
Perfect harmony. Taste
Elegant and very tasty wine with a good, bulky attack and a silky mid palate full of notes of mellow and fleshy fruit. Fresh acidity and slightly drying but pleasant tannins. Good structure. Lingering finish with fruity sensations.