NV Peñalba López, Cava, Brut Nature (RT91) A blend of 90% Viura (aka Macebeo) & 10% Chardonnay, this is the only Cava produced in Ribera del Duero, crafted with zero dosage, and was first made in 1979. And what a beauty it is! Pale straw yellow, it reveals high toned notes of white flowers surrounding a core of Granny Smith apple, crunchy, under ripe pear and lemon zest. Light on its feet, it dances elegant steps in the mouth, conveying a weightless mouthfeel. A lovely, fresh styled Cava, drink now and over the next 3-5 years.
2014 Peñalba López, Ribera del Duero, Pinot Noir (RT90) Pinot Noir from the hot microclimate of Ribera del Duero – who would have imagined? Showing the darker, more masculine side of Pinot, here the wine is deeply nuanced with notes of black cherry, super ripe strawberry, bark and hints of mushroom and minerality. The mouthfeel is round, soft and generous on the fruit. This is a limited production wine crafted for the robust Pinot lover. Well crafted, this wine has its audience. Drink now – 2023+
2018 Torremilanos, Ribera del Duero, Montecrastillo Tinto (RT90) A work horse expression that’s almost always 100% Tempranillo from 20 to 35-year-old vines, however, in this vintage a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon was blended in. Aged 4 months in used French and American oak barrels. This wine is crafted in a delicious, easy drinking style that’s forgiving and round, layered with terroir driven fruit and a splash of minerality. It’s curb appeal and terrific price make it a Top Value! Drink now – 2021+
2016 Torremilanos, Ribera del Duero, Los Cantos (RT91+) This wine takes a significant step up from the Montecrastillo. A blend of 95% Tempranillo and 5% Merlot that’s aged for 14-16 months in used French and American oak. Here the level of both structure and elegance reveals a finessed wine with its ripe, lush fruit buttressed by fresh acidity and a soft, tannic finish. Pure red berries and a hint of minerality are the core of this tasty treat! Downright delicious stuff! Drink now – 2024+
2017 Torremilanos, Ribera del Duero, Los Cantos (RT92) Another impressive vintage for Los Cantos, a blend of 95% Tempranillo and 5% Merlot that’s aged for 14-16 months in used French and American oak. The level of sophistication in the 2017 is up from the previous vintage a notch, as it reveals beautiful, perfectly ripe Tempranillo, buttressed by fresh acidity and a sumptuous tannic finish that adds punctuation to a great presentation, while the doppel of Merlot adds a hint of Bordeaux-like character. This is a tasty vintage for Los Cantos! Drink now-2027
2014 Torremilanos, Ribera del Duero, Crianza (RT92) 95% Tempranillo with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 20 months in French and American oak, mostly used. This is a gorgeous expression of the region and shows far more character than most Crianza’s with it deeply nuanced, penetration notes of black berry, plum and well-integrated oak. A soft and sexy finish revisits the fruit in spades! Lush and delicious, drink now – 2025+
2015 Torremilanos, Ribera del Duero, Crianza (RT92+) Even better than the 2014 vintage of this excellent wine, which was no slouch, the 2015 sets a high-quality quality level with its 95% Tempranillo and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 20 months in used French & American oak. Expressive and wonderfully nuanced with ripe notes of spiced black berry, black cherry, plum and scorched earth. The mouthfeel is packed with delicious fruit, tasty acidity and soft tannins, but make no mistake, this is built for aging. Like its predecessor, it shows far more character than the typical Crianza and should cellar for the mid-term in a beautiful way. Drink now-2029+
2015 Torremilanos, Ribera del Duero, Cyclo (RT94) This is a bruising, massive wine with broad shoulders and a masculine frame! Crafted from 95% Tempranillo, 3% Garnacha and 2% Tempranillo Blanco that first is fermented in concrete, then is aged for 21 months in French and American oak with final aging in 7800-liter concrete tanks. Cyclo presents a serious profile with aromatically lifted, deeply ripe black fruit and a magnificent floral aspect that comes from the Tempranillo Blanco. Think Cote Rote comes to Ribera del Duero! Smooth and long in the finish, this is a gorgeous wine crafted for the serious connoisseur. Drink 2020-2030+
2009 Torremilanos, Ribera del Duero, Colección (RT95+) The flagship wine of the Torremilanos Estate, this is the current vintage being release 10 years post-harvest. 100% Tempranillo from 100-year-old vines that’s aged for 30 months in French oak and then aged for 7 years in bottle before release. This prolific wine displays the heart and soul of Ribera del Duero! Thunderous base notes of luxurious blackberry, black cherry and massive minerality dominate the bouquet and are echoed on the palate. The wrap-up is long and enduring, as wonderfully integrated ripe tannins punctuate the finish. Although there is ample fruit in the foreground, the structure is there to allow long aging that will pay off! In a word – exquisite! Drink 2022-2035+