Dominio del Aguila Reserva 2016

Quite different from the 2015 was the 2016 Reserva, a red from a cooler year with good yields, so they were able to increase production of this wine over twofold and increase the quality! It took some seven months to complete fermentation, and the élevage in barrel lasted some 29 months. It has an incredible nose, violets and something musky, intriguing, complex and nuanced, mysterious and difficult to define, with some notes reminiscent of soy sauce. The palate is seamless and with terrific balance, a silky texture and very fine but chalky tannins. This is an amazing Ribera del Duero. 18,834 bottles and 519 magnums produced. It was bottled in April 2019. 2021 - 2032

Deep but vibrant ruby in colour. Inky mulberry and forest fruit on the nose, layered with graphite, liquorice and cassis. This is deep, dark and brooding. With air there is yet more complexity from bright violet and blood orange notes. Enticing. The palate is ripe and powerful but not sweet. Silky fruit stands up to chalky, rich tannins that coat the mouth. This is bold and structured with potential to age. Bright acidity cuts through the dense, dark fruit at the core, adding a savoury edge. There are notes of incense, graphite and coffee through to the finish. Enduring and expansive on the finish, this is very impressive Ribera del Duero.