Valsardo, Ribera del Duero, Reserva Superior

This 90% tempranillo / 10% cab blend is a marvel .. fully mature but with the stuffing to last until day three when stoppered in the fridge. Reminds me of a more evolved version of 2004 LRA 904: sophisticated use of hedonistic oak wrapped around sweet black fruits with a balsamic savoury overlay. So good .. a lot of pleasure for the price .. I have only three bottles left and am wondering about a reload.

Appearance is garnet red and looking relatively youthful for its two decades. Red fruits with some plum and leather and, certainly into its tertiary phase. Same flavours on the palate where the tannins are velvety and there's fresh acidity. Plenty of life left in it, plateauing rather than on the downhill slopes, with a beautiful balance. A Somm pick and WOTL for me, beating some strong competition. Really a very good wine and great value off the list. From Zalto …