Winemaker Notes
A very deep cherry red in colour, on the nose ripe black fruit and the resinous notes of cedar and tobacco come to the fore, expressing their intensity and complexity with time and developing spiced notes like cloves, without loss of character of its fruity expression. Powerful, structured and intense on the palate, with great balance and amiable but intense passage.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
The 2021 Bodegas Emilio Moro Malleolus is an impressive Ribera del Duero, beginning with its deep ruby color and aromas of controlled smokiness and aromatic ripe red berries. On the palate, it delivers a persistent stream of active black fruits framed by well-integrated toasty oak. Its richness and structure make it a superb match for Korean oven-braised short ribs (galbi jjim)—slow-cooked until tender and glazed with soy, ginger, garlic, jujube, and a touch of sesame oil. The dish’s sweet-savory depth complements the wine’s bold fruit and oak beautifully. (Tasted: November 17, 2025, San Francisco, CA, USA).
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James Suckling
Subtle minerals, spiced berries, cherries, chocolate nibs and vanilla. Medium- to full-bodied with nice linear tannins that turn chalky in the finish. Long and firm. Drink or hold.
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Wine Spectator
Expressive notes of licorice and candied violet on the nose accent flavors of blackberry paste, black cherry pâte de fruit, ground coffee, dried sage and tar in this dark, rich red, which is brightened by the tang of orange peel acidity. The sculpted tannins show a velvety edge that aids integration and the overall harmonious feel. Best from 2025 through 2034.
Notoriously food-friendly, long-lasting and Spain’s most widely planted grape, Tempranillo is the star variety of red wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero. The Rioja terms Joven, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva indicate both barrel and bottle time before release. Traditionally blended in Rioja with Garnacha, plus a bit of Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano, the Tempranillo in Ribera del Duero typically stands alone. Somm Secret—Tempranillo claims many different names depending on location. In Penedès, it is called Ull de Llebre and in Valdepeñas, goes by Cencibel. Known as Tinta Roriz in Portugal, Tempranillo plays an important role in Port wine.
Ribera del Duero, Spanish wine region, is located in northen Spain’s Castilla y León region, just a 2-hour drive from Madrid. While winemaking in this area goes back more than 2000 years, it was in the 1980s that 9 wineries applied for and were granted Denominación de Origen (D.O.) status. Today, more than 300 wineries call Ribera del Duero home, including some of Spain’s most iconic names.
Notable Facts Ribera’s main grape variety, Tempranillo, locally know as Tinto Fino, is perfectly suited to the extreme climate of the region, where it must survive scorching summers and frigid winters. Low yields resulting from conscientious tending to old vines planted in Ribera’s diverse soils types, give Ribera wines a distinctive depth and complexity not found in other Tempranillos. Rich and full-bodied, the spice, dark fruit and smoky flavors in a bold Ribera del Duero will pair well with roasted and grilled meats, Mexican food and tomato-based sauces.