It's been ages since I've had a Ribera, mostly because I remember them as being strong, tannic monsters boasting black fruit singed by oak, and characterized by rough-hewn white pepper and hot spices. That's pretty much what we've got here. It's a well-made wine that, at nearly six years old, is still just a baby - only this baby hasn't an ounce of fat on it. The texture offers a promise of layered dimensions in another 5-10 years, if the body can survive the alcohol and broad-shouldered acidity. On the flip side, those looking for an entry-level RdD will find this to be a textbook example. 88 points (Sample)
