The 2009 Alfa Spiga is pure Tempranillo from low-yielding, older vineyards fermented in oak vats and aged for 20 months in barriques, mostly French but there are some 20% from Central Europe. 2009 was a warm, ripe vintage that produced very healthy grapes. The nose is still quite oaky, with plenty of sweet spices, hints of dark chocolate and coffee. The palate reveals abundant, fine-grained tannins that provide for a chalky texture. They used new oak vats for the fermentation of the grapes from head-pruned vines planted in 1950. There is good stuff in there, fresher than what the nose points out and with less influence from the barrel. These vines naturally produce very low yields and the wines are concentrated by nature. It improves with time in the glass and it should do similarly in bottle. 5,400 bottles were filled.

This plush red delivers ripe flavors of roasted plum, licorice, cola and baking spices, all set in a thick texture. Well-integrated tannins and sweet-tart acidity impart structure and focus. Solid, in the modern style. Drink now through 2022. 1,500 cases made, 300 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add