Telmo Rodriguez, Ribera del Duero DO (Castilla y León, Spain) 2015

 This Tempranillo blend (85 percent Tempranillo with up to 15% other varieties such as Valenciano [Bobal], Navarro [Garnacha], and even white Albillo) is a blend of nine vineyards in five villages.  The Matallana is inspired by the old Vega Sicilia wines using a blend of soils.  Only 16,884 bottles of this beauty were produced.  The nose is a splendid blend of licorice, baking spices, cassis, and black plum.  The palate shows focus and density, with warm flavors of black cherry, plum, spice, herbs with cocoa, tobacco, and earth accents.  The tannins are fine, and it finishes long and dry with precision and elegance.