Here are some Ribera Del Dueros wines that I have tasted recently. More on the 2011 vintage on a later post.
Lopez Cristobal Crianza 2011. Code SAQ: 00642512. $27.15
Dark ruby colour. On the nose multilayered aromas of caramelized and jammy black fruit. Present notes of oak such as vanilla and new wood. In addition, lead pencil, violets and lots of spice character ( cinnamon and christmas cake come to mind). Such a beautiful raw fruit showing lots of depth. On the mouth, the wine is full body, powerful yet with very silky and seductive. Dense, rich and very long. However showing a beautiful elegance to it. Flavors remind me of vivid strawberry and dark raspberry with powdered flowers and minerals. In addition licorice candy and anis complement the retronasal flavors. Bitter finish showing some raw tannins force. Also the fleshy fruit, gives you the impression that you can chew the wine. Long lasting finish. This baby needs a decade to settle down. 93\100
Domino de PingusPsi.Ribera del Duero 2011. Code SAQ: 11940612. $43.00
Beautiful tears on the glass.On the nose the wine displays very pure and fresh black fruit aromas with notes of licorice, star anis,violets. A subtle note of oak in the background with a ethereal minerality. Full body with a good acidity. Corpulent with a good tannic structure. Long in aftertaste that remind me of dry jerk meat and black truffle. 95\100
Torres Celeste Crianza 2011. Code SAQ: 11741285. $21.55
Lots of black plums, blueberry and cherry with notes of mocha, licorice and vanilla. In the mouth, full body with a medium to high acidity. Flavors remind me of oak, cigarrette tobacco and balsamic notes such as rosemary. Austere finale. Very promising. 93\100
