Bodegas Aalto - Ribera del Duero 2021
Price: $59.99
| Producer | Bodegas Aalto |
 | |
| Country | Spain |
| |
| Region | Ribera del Duero |
| |
| Varietal | Tempranillo |
| |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| |
| Sku | 35845 |
| |
|
Wine Advocate: 95 Points
The 2021 PS has a similar profile as the regular Aalto but with a little bit more of everything, more ripeness—playing dangerously with overripeness—and alcohol (15%), more concentration and power and also more oak that reveals itself in the shape or aromas of fried corn. It's powerful and tannic, in need of years in bottle and/or powerful food. This is very good in its style, impeccably crafted and aged in the best barrels money can buy.
Decanter Magazine: 95 Points
Aalto was established in 1999 by Mariano Garcia, winemaker for 30 years at Vega Sicilia. His philosophy was minimal intervention and maximum expression of the vineyard. For this wine, grapes are harvested from vines up to 80 years old, all organically farmed, from nine villages, low yields giving intensity and concentration. Seventeen months in French and American oak ensure a wine for the long haul. Beth Willard: Seductively fruity nose with flinty, stony0 character, even a touch of blood orange. Deep and concentrated with a lot of oak and acidity, but in balance. David Williams: Prominent oak, but high quality and integrated with the high-toned, ripe fruit. Savoury and engaging with satisfying richness and texture, with a long finish. Diana Rollan: Elegant and balanced with red berry notes of cranberry and raspberry, a touch of vanilla and dark chocolate. An appealing, polished style that keeps on giving: superb. Drink 2024-2040.
Vinous: 94 Points
The 2021 Aalto is a 100% Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero and was aged for up to two years in French and American barrels. Garnet-red with a purple sheen. Cedar and vanilla lead the nose, followed by blackcurrant, blackberry and subtle herbal notes in the background. The palate is indulgent and creamy, with a classic 'reserva' profile but distinctively light on its feet for a Ribera del Duero wine. The 2021 Aalto is a long-lasting, juicy, subtly chalky red.
Wine Spectator: 94 Points
A graceful, enticing red, with appealing hints of violet, eucalyptus, tea rose and tar wafting through the flavors of ripe black currant and mulberry fruit, melted licorice and mocha. Long, focused and harmonious, with deft integration of the sinewy tannins and refreshing acidity, this glides across the palate and echoes on the spiced finish. Drink now through 2036. 31,200 cases made, 1,450 cases imported.
