Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This dark-violet-red-colored wine gives off aromas of raspberry, orange zest and cocoa powder. Brilliant acidity washes across and then remains on the palate, joined by plush tannins and flavors of black cherry, pomegranate, milk chocolate, fennel pollen and lavender. Drink through 2047.
Cellar Selection -
Jeb Dunnuck
The single vineyard 2018 Malleolus De Valderramiro (100% Tempranillo) is more structured, tannic, and mineral-driven compared to the Sanchomargin, offering a deep plum/ruby hue as well as lots of spicy darker cherry and currants fruits, medium to full body, lots of building tannins, and some classic Tempranillo cedary spice, tobacco, and loamy earth-like nuances. It's not massive and reflects the cooler nature of this vintage, with nicely integrated acidity, remarkable purity of fruit, and a great finish.
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Wine Spectator
A harmonious red that marries modern pomp with restraint and elegance. Full-bodied and lush, yet fresh and well-defined by sinewy tannins. Features flavors of pureed blackberry, licorice snap, herbed black olive and mocha that expand on the palate, with tarry smoke and loamy earth character.
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James Suckling
Deep nose with sweet dried violet, anise, blueberries, pine needles and a hint of black pepper and hot stones that follows through to a full-bodied palate. Lots of oak with a good amount of extraction, but it remains fresh and well-balanced with a long, spicy finish. Dense, chewy and quite concentrated. Excellent potential. 100% tempranillo. Best from 2024.
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.