Flock: 1994-2001 Ribera del Duero Tasting

Chicago
Tasted Wednesday, November 19, 2008 by Nanda with 670 views

Introduction

Flock tasting of Ribera del Duero --- covering 1994 thru 2001. All wines tasted double blind with a few ringers.

My first real evaluative foray into Ribera. Overall, mostly nice wines though I was a bit disappointed relative to lofty expectations. While the wines were characterful, complex and full of acid --- the fruit wasn't profound enough for me. The 04 Flor de Pingus and 99 San Roman were notable expectations - though both ringers.

Flight 1 (12 Notes)

  • 1994 Bodegas Ismael Arroyo Ribera del Duero Gran Reserva Val Sotillo 86 Points

    Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero

    Brown at rim - mature color. Nose has mature, tart and washed out aromas. Dried sour cherry fruit, dried herbs, smoky tar and curry powder. Palate has light fruit and loads of acid. Some complexity, as in the nose, but ultimately tastes old and tired. Group #12, My #10.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 1999 Bodegas y Viñedos San Roman Toro Viña San Román 92 Points

    Spain, Castilla y León, Toro

    Ruby to purple in color. Nose is full of dark cherry, minerals and toast --- but doesn't show much delineation or precision of aroma. Powerful palate with good balance, lift and persistence. Chocolate, minerals and dark cherries on the palate. Nice firm finish with suave tannins. My #2, Group #4.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2001 Bodegas y Viñedos Alión Ribera del Duero Flawed

    Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero

    Dark ruby in color. Nose is polluted with volatile acidity - some chocolate and cherries lie beneath. Fruit on the palate is polished with good acidity. But the VA is brutal. Shocked on reveal --- hopefully just a bad bottle.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2004 Dominio Pingus Ribera del Duero Flor de Pingus 95 Points

    Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero

    Dark ruby color. Decadent, wow nose is full of cocoa beans, coffee, black cherry, toast and tar. Delicious flavors ensue on the palate with rich black and red fruits, coffee and minerals. Rich fruit is balanced with nice acidity. Long, flavorful finish. Totally delicious. My #1, Group #2.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2004 Twisted Oak Tempranillo 92 Points

    USA, California, Sierra Foothills, Calaveras County

    Ruby in color. Tasty nose has sweet bright cherries, toast and fresh herbs. Smooth and juicy on the palate. Herbs, leafiness and chocolate add complexity. Tasted blind, the tasty fruit was deceivingly good. A nice wine. My #3, Group #3.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2001 Bodegas Vega-Sicilia Ribera del Duero Valbuena 5° 89 Points

    Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero

    Mature ruby color. Tight nose has minerals and aged, red fruit. Palate is good earthy cherry fruit, herbs and a leafy note. Buoyant acids throughout including in the slightly tart in the finish. My #9, Group #5.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 1996 Bodegas Vega-Sicilia Ribera del Duero Valbuena 5° 84 Points

    Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero

    Ruby color. Shy nose has mature tart red fruit and dried herbs. Light fruit on the palate is overwhelmed with acid. Short and washed out. Tastes over the hill. My #11, Group #7.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2000 Bodegas AAlto Ribera del Duero P.S. 93 Points

    Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero

    Bright purple color. Beautiful, youthful, full nose has toast, coffee and dark cherries. Palate is well balanced and full bodied. Firm tannins and juicy acidity compliment the mature, rich fruit. Long, full chocolaty, toasty finish. Kept getting better. My #4, Group #1.

    Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No

  • 1998 Bodegas Vega-Sicilia Ribera del Duero Valbuena 5° 91 Points

    Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero

    Medium ruby color. Nose has dried sour cherry, dried herbs and leafy notes. Palate has juicy acidity and medium-bodied cherry fruit. Toast, chocolate and herbs add interest. Fresh, herb filled finish. My #5, Group #6.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 1996 Bodegas y Viñedos Alión Ribera del Duero 90 Points

    Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero

    Medium ruby color. Shy nose has dried cherry fruit, herbs and cumin. Light-to-medium bodied on the palate with fresh acidity. Mature cherry fruit is still sleek and polished. Classic, elegant profile. I'd drink up. My #7, Group #5.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 1995 Bodegas Alejandro Fernández Ribera del Duero Tinto Pesquera Reserva 89 Points

    Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero

    Mature ruby color. Nice nose of mature cherry fruit, herbs, chocolate and some lingering toast. Medium bodied fruit and juicy acidity on the palate. Elegant with dried fruit and dried herbs throughout. A soft, complex wine. My #8, Group #9.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 1994 Bodegas Alejandro Fernández Ribera del Duero Gran Reserva Pesquera 90 Points

    Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero

    Mature ruby color. Attractive nose has candied cherries, minty oak and cocoa. Light-to-medium bodied palate with cherries, fresh herbs and tar. Long, interesting finish. My #6, Group #10.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

×
×