2019 Finca Villacreces, Ribera del Duero – buy online

WHO?

Located in the heart of Ribera del Duero, the estate is part of the “Golden Mile” alongside neighboring Vega Sicilia, Pingus to the west, and other similarly renowned estates. Situated in Quintanilla de Onésimo, this impressive estate was purchased by the Antón family from Izadi in 2003. The resulting wines, crafted by oenologist Ángel Ortega in collaboration with Luis Lasa, are deep, dark, and focused in style.

WHERE?

The vineyards are planted on a mix of sandy, gravelly, stony, and quartz soils. Each soil type contributes different fruit flavors and results in very low yields of about only three tons per hectare. The vineyards are planted with approximately 86% Tempranillo (mainly on sandy soils, which provide appealing meatiness to the wines), 4% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon (mostly on quartz and stony soils, giving more mineral complexity). Organic practices are used as much as possible, and the proximity to the river helps protect against frost. The vineyards lie at an altitude of 710 meters and are planted with a density of 2,200 vines per hectare.

WHY?

This wine is black-purple in color with an expressive bouquet of espresso, toasted bread, and wild blueberry. The palate is full-bodied, with layers of juicy black fruit, smoky wood, and nutmeg, structured with fine-grained tannins and juicy freshness.

Wine Advocate – 93 pts