Aalto Ribera del Duero 2022

A sophisticated and beautifully structured Ribera del Duero displaying aromas of blackberry, black cherry, violet, cedar, and sweet spice. Full-bodied yet elegant, the palate offers concentrated dark fruit, refined tannins, fresh acidity, and a long, polished finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs best with grilled lamb, ribeye steak, braised beef, roasted game, and aged Manchego cheese.

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2022 Aalto has a dark color and a very smoky nose with meaty notes (smoky bacon?), ripe dark berry fruit (a little too ripe for me this year) and abundant herbs and is quite spicy. This is the prototype Aalto, ripe (15% alcohol), powerful, concentrated and generously oaked but with stuffing and power and the balance to resolve the tannins and age for a long time in bottle. It has a marked profile that will not please those in search of a light and fresh red. This is a thoroughbred Ribera.

93 Points - James Suckling

Ripe dark cherries and blackberries swathed into a dusty, woody background, with touches of licorice, vanilla and violet extract. Juicy and fine-grained on the palate with full body and a fine-boned tannins. Structured and long. Drink from 2025.

92 Points - Wine Spectator

A mouthwatering red, showing balsamico-infused acidity, with intensity and focus to the flavors of cassis, blackberry, baking spices, graphite, and wild rosemary and thyme. Its sinewy tannins are enmeshed in a silky texture that carries the aromatic profile on the lasting finish. Like a colt out of the gate; give this a little time in the cellar to hit its stride. Best from 2028 through 2038.