2009 Valsotillo Reserva
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Tasting notes
Saturated ruby. Ripe dark fruit, vanilla and floral pastille scents are lifted by notes of cracked pepper and allspice. Smooth and expansive on the palate, offering sweet blackcurrant and cherry-cola flavors and a hint of anise. Suave smoky mineral nuances build with air and carry through a very persistent, subtly tannic finish. Shows real energy for a ripe year, and no undue weight.
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Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Ismael Arroyo started in Ribera del Duero in 1979, before the creation of the Denominacion de Origen. I’m not sure if the 2009 Valsotillo Reserva is produced with the same grapes as their mythical 1989 vintage, even though they say that it is produced with the fruit from an old, head-pruned Tempranillo vineyards planted on sandy, stony soils. It has a classical, developed nose, is a little rustic, and old-style, with herbal undertones, notes of Mediterranean herbs and garrigue, spicy oak, prunes and plums. The palate is medium to full-bodied, quite succulent and juicy, with fine tannins and moderate acidity – quite recognizable as Ribera del Duero. A wine that should age slowly. Drink 2014-2017. Importer: Tradewinds Specialty Imports, Washington, tel. (888) 817-7155, TradewindsSpecialty.com