2021 Aalto "PS" Ribera del Duero

Established in 1999 by Javier Zaccanini and the legendary winemaker Mariano García, Aalto was a bold step into the modern era for Ribera del Duero. The concrete and glass winery, completed in 2005, runs on gravity and boasts expansive barrel rooms. The Masaveu and Nozaleda families, who have long histories in Spanish winemaking, joined the venture in 2006. Harvesting from 130 hectares of old vines spread across 200 plots in nine municipalities, Aalto crafts reds with a rich but delicate structure. Their PS takes things up a notch, emphasizing power and opulence. Their Blanco de Parcela explores the possibilities of Verdejo and Godello, pushing the limits for whites in the region. Aalto is very much the embodiment of a modern Ribera del Duero winery.

95 Points Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous: "The 2021 PS is 100% Tempranillo, primarily sourced from clay soils in La Horra and Aguilera, and was aged for up to 20 months in French barrels. Garnet-red in hue. Cherry and cola notes complement pine and dried flowers against a vanilla and cedar backdrop. It's broad and creamy in the mouth, with a chalky core and a lasting oaky flavor. This tasting occurred just after bottling, but it promises to develop a more nuanced character in the medium term."