Francisco Barona Ribera del Duero Finca las Dueñas 2020

100 points Virginie Boone (Jebdunnuck.com): "As incredible as the 2021 vintage, yet darker in color and slightly more developed from additional aging, the medium-bodied, supremely balanced 2020 Finca las Duenas Reserva continues to tell the story of Las Duenas, a parcel of bush-trained vines. Mostly Tempranillo, there’s also Bobal and Albillo Mayor, planted in 1928 in clay and limestone soils. There’s a chalky, mineral quality that compels around a rising tide of tension on a lengthy palate of tremendous complexity and grace. Dried herb and peppery spice complement a dense concentration of meaty game and mushroom with such a silky finish you won’t want to wait to open it but could another 20-30 years. One of the best wines of the region. Drink 2025-2055. (07/30/25)."

96 points Tim Atkin, MW: “Finca Las Dueñas is the top cuvée from brilliant young winemaker, Francisco Barona, made with Tinto Fino and 25% Bobal and Albillo Mayor from a small parcel planted in 1928 in Anguix. A wine with chalk in its veins, this was fermented with 100% whole bunches before ageing in new French oak. Plush, glossy and intense, it has elements of Pomerol as well as Ribera del Duero, all coffee bean, thyme and liquorice on the nose and cassis, blackberry and a liqueur like note on the palate. Very intense, yet beautifully balanced. 2027-2035. (2024).”

94 points Joaquín Hidalgo (Vinous): "The 2020 Las Dueñas comes from an old vineyard planted in Roa and is a blend of Tempranillo with Bobal and Albillo. Fermented with stems in French oak barrels, it was aged for up to a year. Purple in hue with a garnet sheen. The balsamic nose offers notes of cinnamon and red fruit complemented by hints of oak. When I tasted it, it was still quite unforthcoming, but the layers of complexity are discernible. The palate is dry and taut, with a juicy mouthfeel and chalky tannins contributing to an intricate, compact flow. The 2020 is potent but still evolving. Drink 2025-2040. (09/23)."