The “12” on the label indicates twelve months in a combination of French and American oak. There’s plenty of oak character here to enhance the deep black fruit with spice, vanilla and dill notes without intruding on the tannin structure at all. Very deftly handled, and a great pairing partner for prime portions of beef or lamb. A few years will soften the oak a bit and add a point — or maybe two — to the score. Delightful Ribera Del Duero!
Figuero, Ribera del Duero (Castilla y León, Spain) 2016
By Rich Cook