Aalto Ribera del Duero 2021

94 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "The eponymous red 2021 Aalto has a lactic touch and is spicy, smoky and ripe, with notes of barbecued duck, soy sauce and a touch of truffle. It's heady, ripe (14.5% alcohol), has a luxurious mouthfeel and is glossy and juicy, with abundant but fine-grained tannins and low-ish acidity. For fans of the style. Quite consistent across vintages. It was bottled in July 2023. Drink: 2024-2034. (6/13/24)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "[$80 list] A graceful, enticing red, with appealing hints of violet, eucalyptus, tea rose and tar wafting through the flavors of ripe black currant and mulberry fruit, melted licorice and mocha. Long, focused and harmonious, with deft integration of the sinewy tannins and refreshing acidity, this glides across the palate and echoes on the spiced finish. Drink now through 2036. (7/31/24)"

94 points Tim Atkin, MW: "(14.5%). Antonio Moral blends grapes from nine different villages in Burgos and Valladolid to produce this pan-Ribera del Duero Tinto Fino, ageing the result in 50% new wood. It's a Médocmeets-Castilla-y-León style of wine in many ways: ripe, glossy and slightly international in style, with plum, fig and bramble fruit flavours, scented mocha oak and a fresh, balanced finish. Classy stuff. 2026-36. (2023)"

93 points Wine Enthusiast: "This ruby colored wine has a bouquet of cassis, dark chocolate and smoke. Plush tannins are wrapped around blackberry, Mission fig, cocoa powder, violet and clove flavors with a hint of pencil lead that lingers on the palate. Alcohol 14.5%. (Sep 2024)"

92 points Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine: "Style ,full-bodied, creamy, needs time. Colour: Cherry. Aroma ,black fruit, ripe fruit, creamy oak, dark chocolate. Flavour ,powerful, toasty, flavourful, full-bodied. (Aug 2023)"