2011 Villacampa del Marques Roble

In the last few decades, Ribera del Duero has emerged as Spain's most compelling wine region. Yet it's a region that will be unfamiliar to many Australians. Located in the north-central part of the Iberian Peninsula, roughly halfway between Madrid and the Basque coast, the appellation resides along the upper reaches of the Rio Duero, the same river that flows through Toro and into Portugal. The vineyards grow at the highest average elevation in all of Europe and experience wide diurnal/nocturnal temperature swings. The reds typically offer plush textures and solid fruit weight comparable to those from the Southern Rhone, though others find similarities to riper style Bordeaux. The soils and climate have proven to be an excellent match for Tinto Fino (the local variant of Tempranillo). Since the success of now world famous and highly-prized wines from the likes of Valderiz, Vega Sicilia and Tinto Pesquera, the region has continued to receive accolades and exposure. As world wide demand has increased, a Duero 'gold rush' has ensued. In this rush to expand and plant new vineyards, quality from the area has been less consistent while land prices have skyrocketed. The once super wine values are becoming increasingly difficult to procure. 

Villacampa remains one exception - at least for now. The remarkable quality/price ratio found here can be attributed to owner, Maite Geijo, who comes from a restaurant background. Her winemaking experience initially developed from her 'house wine' production which was such a success with her patrons, it inspired her to establish her own bodega. 

She now focusses her talents at the Villacampa vineyards, located near the village of La Horra at an altitude of 2500 feet above sea level, and planted mostly to old-vine Tinto Fino with a few plots of Cabernet. For many years fruit was sold off to other producers, primarily Pesquera. Now Geijo has turned to producing the wines herself. She believes in total control over all aspects of the process from vineyard to bottle: ownership of the vineyards, natural growing methods and minimal intervention in the cellar. "Good wine with personality should be affordable", she says. 
From an appellation that will be a revelation to many Australian winelovers, the 2011 Villacampa del Marques presents remarkable buying. After tasting Geijo's wine you begin to understand why Wine Enthusiast Magazine named Ribera del Duero as their "Wine Region of the Year" for 2012.

Loaded with super rich, ripe fruit, this is a fantastic introduction to the famous Ribera Del Duero region.  
A blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from vines between 20-35 years old with maturation taking place in French oak for 6 months. Superb totally opaque black dark red colour with very deep black crimson hue. Nosing reveals black cherry and liquorice aromas followed by some subtle new leather, cedar and spice. Full bodied the palate is packed and stacked with gorgeous almost decadent like ripe fruit flavours of black cherry and liquorice with some underlying cedar and dried meat characters followed by a spicy back palate. Solidly built tannins provide the necessary support to deal with the opulence of the fruit. Dryish finish. Outstanding length and depth with very long joosy black cherry, dried meats and spice aftertaste.
Drink over the next 3-4 years (2013-2017)
Alc 14.5%