The joven wines from Ribera del Duero are very handy if  you are looking for an early indication of the overall style and quality of the vintage. They are generally made in a fairly simple manner, without oak or winemaking tricks so you can see what the fruit really looks like. I’ve had a couple from the 2007 vintage and I can’t see this every being called a classic vintage, unless it’s as a classic wet vintage. This is where good vineyard management and smart winemaking come into effect, you can really tell how good a  producer is by looking at their wines in a poor vintage. Some of these guys and gals came very close to turning a a sow’s ear into a silk purse…this is one such producer.

Now this is a bit gamey and wild, this not a McDonald’s wine as Lincoln over at GrapeScott would say. Notes of animal hide, salami meat, blueberry and dark cherry fruit, with some wild,  green sage notes. Earthy and gamey on the palate, balanced with some fine grained tannins and a shot of acid that leaves a calmer blackberry and mineral finish. Enticing and a bit different, but in a good way. 88 Pts.

Source: Toro Wines Price: $25 Closure: Conventional Cork

Web: www.marquesdevelilla.com