Ausàs Ribera del Duero Interpretación 2018

Fermented in stainless steel and concrete and aged in in 225-litre and 500-litre French oak (which sits discreetly in the background), there's an explosion on the nose of Satsuma plum, dark, sour cherries, blackberry leaf, salted liquorice, thyme, and crushed rock. Concentrated without being remotely heavy, this has a Pomerol-like texture together with tannins that are just about perfect - firm and long, but super-velvety. It finishes refreshing and long with an intriguingly bitter, dark chocolate finish. Again, it's hard to imagine a better wine to pair with aged rib eye.

"Ribera benefited from regular seasons and a very cold winter in 2018, according to Xavier Ausàs, which is why he's such a fan of the vintage. This is the third release of this excellent, pan-Rioja blend from Vega Sicilia's long-term former winemaker and is his best yet. Combining Tinto Fino grapes from five villages between 780 and 900m, it's a subtle, refined red that carries its 15% alcohol with ease, showing chalky minerality, scented 35% new wood, tobacco and red berry fruit flavours and a long, stylish, lightly balsamic finish." 96 points, Tim Atkin, Decanter

Country: Spain
Region: Castilla y Leon
Sub Region: Ribera del Duero