50 Barricas by Pruno 2018

Jancis Robinson MW calls Ribera del Duero “the red wine miracle of northern Spain”. Hot sun and high altitude make for grapes of ripeness and power, and freshness, too. That’s the perfect combination for fine, complex reds that will age. This fabulous wine comes from an estate owned by the Anton family of Izadi Rioja fame. Their steep, well drained vineyards lie within the Golden Mile, above the Duero river. This is where all the famous names have vines, including Viñedos Alión, Vega Sicilia, and Finca Villacreces, who made this wine (their top red fetches £100). Tempranillo (aka Tinto Fino), aged in barrel, this is a superb, elegant red with dark fruit, spiced clove, minerality and silky tannins. For drinking now, open early and decant.