2020 Bodegas Aster Tempranillo Crianza Ribera del Duero

Winemaker Notes:  Deep crimson color with a garnet rim, clean and bright. Aromas of black fruit, blackcurrants and blackberries with sweet spices, fine herbs and licorice in the background. Powerful on the palate, the fruit expression is smooth with hints of spice. The finish is balanced and structured, with pleasant acidity and the characteristic mineral notes of the terroir.

In the 1990s, La Rioja Alta decided to try their luck in the Ribera del Duero, where terroir and microclimate meet to invite the utmost expression of the Tempranillo grape. They sought the best possible site following the advice of the Denomination’s best growers and different academic experts. Also, La Rioja Alta studied and analized the soil, grapes and weather of many different subzones. Anguix (Burgos) was finally selected as the ideal location and in 1991 they planted the vineyard on land that was purchased the previous year. They chose to name this new venture Bodegas Aster after a Spanish flower that blooms at harvest. The grapes from the first seven harvests were sold. In 2000, having verified the quality of the vineyard and the grapes, a winery was built representing a perfect combination of cutting-edge wine-making technology and timeless elegance in design. That year saw the creation of the first Áster offering.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


James Suckling - "A lovely brightness and juiciness to this with cherry, spice, and crushed stone. Some tar. Medium-bodied with chewy tannins that have a dusty undertone. Tannic and typical for Duero. Already attractive if you like tannins, but this will soften nicely with two or three more years of bottle age."


Wine Spectator - "Hints of tarry smoke and tobacco offer a subtle, savory underpinning for the focused notes of black cherry and mulberry fruit on display in this lively, medium- to full-bodied red. Lightly chewy, with spice box and vanilla accents on the finish. Drink now through 2030. 10,000 cases made, 1,500 cases imported."