2013 Villacampa del Marques Roble Tempranillo

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).

A blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon produced from vines up to 35 years old with maturation taking place in French oak casks for a period of 6 months. Totally opaque midnight black colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Aromas of black cherries, liquorice and leather fill the nostrils followed by scorched earth and spice. Full bodied the palate is packed with rich black cherry and liquorice flavours intermixed with some spicy leather and scorched earth characters. Chewy opulent mouthfeel with solidly built tannins providing the muscle. Long aftertaste of ripe black cherries, liquorice, new leather, scorched earth and spice.
Cellar 4-5 years.
Alc 13.5%