Abadia Retuerta, Vino de Pago (Castilla y León, Spain) Tempranillo 2017

 Spain’s system of classifying selected single vineyards as “pagos” or crus as part of a nationwide network which has no geographic commonality except the country itself is an interesting concept from a marketing aspect if nothing else.  This well-known pago is essentially a Ribera del Duero Tempranillo, and a very delicious one that is similar in style to a Left Bank Bordeaux.  It has great structure with full blackberry and cassis flavors, a lean texture, well-integrated barrel flavors and dusty tannins.  This is one of those wines that will slowly evolve in the bottle if you want to wait but which is very enjoyable now.