Aalto Ribera del Duero "PS" 2021

96 points Wine Spectator: "[$180 list] Dense and finely knit, this focused red's plush texture carries a lovely range of plum sauce, oolong tea leaf and warm fig flavors, with accents of garrigue, cedar, baking spices and vanilla. There's restrained power to this dark but refreshing version, with chalky tannins swathed in the detailed profile as this slowly reveals itself in the glass. Hints of tar-tinged smoke, licorice and iron play out on the lasting finish. Best from 2026 through 2036. (7/31/24)"

96 points Wine Enthusiast: "Deep violet in the glass, this wine has a nose of cassis, mocha and cedar chest. A framework of sturdy tannins supports flavors of black cherry, purple plum, dark chocolate, lavender, baking spices and a touch of olive paste, while well-integrated acidity leaves a lasting impression in the mouth. Drink Through 2036. Alcohol 15%. (Sep 2024)"

95 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "The 2021 PS has a similar profile as the regular Aalto but with a little bit more of everything, more ripeness—playing dangerously with overripeness—and alcohol (15%), more concentration and power and also more oak that reveals itself in the shape or aromas of fried corn. It's powerful and tannic, in need of years in bottle and/or powerful food. This is very good in its style, impeccably crafted and aged in the best barrels money can buy. 35,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in September 2023. (6/13/24)"

94 points Tim Atkin, MW: "(15%). PS, short for Pagos Seleccionados or selected parcels, only uses fruit from the famous Burgos villages of La Aguilera and La Horra. As such, it tends to be the more concentrated of the two Aalto reds, displaying considerable structure and staying power. Curated in new French barrels, it's plush, glossy and sweetly perfumed, with top notes of vanilla and clove spice, nuances of wild herbs, grippy tannins and damson and blackberry intensity. 2025-35. (2023)"

94 points Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine: "Colour ,cherry, garnet rim. Aroma ,fruit liqueur notes, powerful, dark chocolate, black fruit, toasty, new oak. Flavour ,flavourful, long, slightly dry, soft tannins, ripe fruit. (Aug 2023)"