Product Description
94 points Wine & Spirits
"The team at Dominio de Atauta developed this project based at a separate facility in town, working with fruit from local growers in Soria. Half of their crianza comes from these high-elevation sites, planted in sandy soils at altitudes up to 3,200 feet where the vines are 70 to 80 years old. The other half is from vineyards in Burgos, mostly La Horra and Roa, where 30-year-old vines grow in clay. Winemaker Jaime Suárez says the only difference between this wine and La Celestina Crianza (also recommended here) is that the better grape selection goes to La Celestina. And yet, this wine blew me away. A week later, in the company of the top wines of our Ribera del Duero tastings, it was still holding its own—not complex, like what turned out to be several Vega-Sicilia wines, but fresh and delicious. I can’t say I wasn’t bemused (confused…embarrassed…) to find out this is a $19 wine. Its time in French oak barrels (20 percent new) points up the luxurious texture, a silken richness to frame the layers of red and black-skinned fruit—the acidity of fresh currants and the warm sunshine of blackberries. It’s a savory tempranillo, all of a piece, and that integration sustains it…if you don’t immediately finish the bottle with a dinner of roast lamb. Astonishing."
Vinous Reverie Notes
This is a great wine from Ribera del Duero, complete and ripe. Intense, elegant and lively. Red and black cherry in color, with a fresh nose reminiscent of stone fruit. As it develops, balsamic tones with hints of liquorice appear. In mouth it is impressive and balanced, with a long and tasty step of mouth, appearing again the fruit already more mature. The wood brings seriousness and complexity. For the good harmony of its components, makes us foresee a perfect maturation in the coming years. Food Pairing: White meats; lamb roasts or kid, in particular; sweetbread and mushrooms; rice dishes, especially those with meat, such as paellas with rabbit and morcilla made with rice; and any dish seasoned with black truffle.
