Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Contents
Pg
03 Introduction
04 Tasting notes
21 90+ Scores A-Z
27 Winemakers of Ribera
Thank you for buying a copy of this report, which is the result of a lot tasting, travel and hard work,
as well as no little pleasure. Please respect the laws of copyright and don’t share the PDF with other
people. Instead, encourage them to pay for their own copy, so that my team of experts and I can
continue to write and publish first-hand reports on the major wine regions of the world.
Muchas gracias por comprar una copia de este reporte, el cuál es el resultado de muchas
degustaciones, viajes y mucho esfuerzo, aunque no poco placentero. Por favor respete la ley de
derechos de autor y no comparta este PDF con otras personas. En su lugar, invítelos a comprar su
propia copia. De esta forma mi equipo de expertos y yo podemos seguir escribiendo y publicando
reportes de primera mano sobre las mayores regiones del mundo.
Page 03
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Introduction
There’s often a gap between perception and reality in the wine world,
but it’s a veritable chasm in Ribera del Duero. The region is widely and
rightly recognised as the source of some of Spain’s best reds, thanks in
large part to Vega Sicilia and Dominio de Pingus, yet many people, even
those who should know better, perceive its wines as uniformly big and
powerful. This is demonstrably untrue. The denominación de origen
contains multitudes.
Sure, many of the wines are made from Ribera del Duero is a famously extreme, even
single grape variety - Tinto Fino - although a marginal area, which has one of the shortest
surprising number are blends, but does anyone growing seasons on the planet. Frosts are not
complain that all red Burgundies or Barolos taste unheard of in June and the harvest is normally
alike? Ribera del Duero is every bit as diverse completed by late October, or earlier in hotter
as those two great wine regions. The differences vintages. There is considerable variation from one
between wines from La Aguilera, San Estéban de year to the next, which is as much of a strength
Gormaz, La Horra and Peñafiel, to choose only as a weakness in a fine wine region, where
four villages, can be every bit as marked as those consumers prize quality and an expression of
between Pommard and Gevrey-Chambertin, or place above consistency.
La Morra and Serralunga d’Alba. The three vintages that dominated this year’s
This is the fourth year that I’ve selected my Top 100 are a case in point – 2018 (31 wines)
favourite Ribera del Dueros at the invitation of and 2016 (28 wines) were both cooler, so called
the local Consejo Regulador. (The final choice, I “Atlantic” vintages, while 2017 was hot, very early
should add, is entirely my own, with no outside and hit by a devastating frost in late April. 2015,
influence whatsoever.) Normally my pick is another warm vintage, is regarded by many as a
made after a week’s tasting in the region, but in classic expression of the region, but I often have
2020, it was all done from London, selected from a preference for the cooler years in Ribera, which
406 samples and aided by over 30 Zoom calls tend to show more elegance and balance. That’s
with producers. I missed the region’s different only my opinion, however.
landscapes, but at least I got to talk to many of the One last trend that I would highlight is the
best winemakers. It was also good to welcome 29 move towards wines that are increasingly village
new wines to the winners’ podium this year. and parcel specific. Some of the best Riberas are
There were other significant differences. blended across the region – Garmón, Ausàs and
The first is that from the 2019 vintage the DO Aalto being three top examples – but a growing
has allowed producers to make white Ribera number reflect individual terroirs. I think this is
del Dueros from the Albillo Mayor grape. This a good thing, as it will help consumers and even
excellent variety has a long history in the region, wine specialists to understand the diversity of
but was previously blended into red or rosé wines which the DO is capable. Winemaking style will
or, if produced as a vino blanco, sold as a Vino de always have an influence on the finished wine,
la Tierra de Castilla y León. Now it has appellation but, as estate agents are always telling us, it’s
status, which makes sense given that it’s Ribera location, location, location that really matters.
del Duero’s second most planted variety (with 362 I hope you enjoy tasting the wines from my
hectares) after dominant Tinto Fino (22,465 out of 2020/21 Ribera Top 100 as I did selecting them.
a total of 23,353 ha). I was delighted that two white
wines made my final selection. Tim Atkin MW
Page 04
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Tasting notes
Reds
Dominio de Pingus Cosecha 2018
99 (14.5%)
People who've never tasted it imagine that Pingus is a big, overpowering Ribera, but that has
never been true. Fully deserving of its status as one of Spain's and the world's greatest wines,
it hails from 4.2 hectares of vines in La Horra, spread across two contrasting sub-zones - San
Cristóbal and Barroso. There was no new wood at all on the 2018 - which has been the case
since 2012 - and a move towards bigger oak containers for 40% of the wine. Subtle, elegant
and effortlessly concentrated, it's scented and alluring, even as a young wine, with black
cherry and raspberry fruit, a hint of sweet spice and granular tannins. Balanced, refined and
very long on the palate. 2023-32
Page 05
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Page 06
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Page 07
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Page 08
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Viñedos Alonso del Yerro María de Alonso del Yerro Cosecha 2016
96 (14%)
María combines Tinto Fino from two parcels in Roa: west-facing El Circo on chalky clay soils
and north-facing Violeta on chalky gravels. It's a fitting tribute to the owner of the bodega,
especially in 2016. Aged in new French oak, this fine red has quite a bit in common with top
Bordeaux - structured, scented and built to age, with plum and blackberry fruit, a grassy
undertone and finely integrated oak. 2022-31
Page 09
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Page 10
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Page 11
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Page 12
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Page 13
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Page 14
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Page 15
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Page 16
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Page 17
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Page 18
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Page 19
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Whites
Bodegas Félix Callejo El Lebrero Cosecha 2019
93 (14%)
El Lebrero is one of the best Albillo Mayors in Ribera del Duero, so it's good to see it released
under the Denominación de Origen's banner, rather than as Vino de la Tierra. Made with
grapes from a high-altitude páramo vineyard at 920 metres, it's a naturally fermented style
that sees ten days of skin contact and fermentation in concrete eggs and new 500-litre
barrels. Aromas of white flowers segue into a palate with flavours of peach, citrus, aniseed
and vanilla spice, complemented by impressive texture and a lingering finish. 2021-25
Page 20
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Rosé
Page 21
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Complete
Scores A-Z
CLASSIFICATION
BODEGBA
VINTAGE
COLOUR
BRAND
SCORE
ABV%
Aalto Bodegas y Viñedos Aalto Cosecha 2018 Red 93 15
Bodega Navarro Balbas Nabal Selección de la Familia Reserva 2015 Red 93 14.5
Bodega Dehesa de los Canónigos Dehesa de los Canonigos 15 Meses Cosecha 2017 Red 91 15
Bodega Dehesa de los Canónigos Luis Sanz Busto Gran Reserva 2010 Red 93 14.5
Bodega Sarmentero (M Amparo Repiso Vallejo) Sarmentero Barrica 18 Meses Cosecha 2017 Red 92 14.5
Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro Arzuaga Reserva Especial Reserva 2015 Red 93 14.5
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
Page 22
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
DESIGNATION
VINTAGE
COLOUR
BODEGA
AGEING
BRAND
SCORE
ABV%
Bodegas Carramimbre Altamimbre Cosecha 2016 Red 91 14.5
Bodegas Coop. Virgen de la Asunción El Canto del Angel Cosecha 2015 Red 90 14.5
Bodegas El Lagar de Isilla El Lagar de Isilla Paraje Peñalobos Cosecha 2016 Red 90 14.5
Bodegas El Lagar de Isilla San Juan del Monte Coseacha 2017 Red 92 15
Bodegas Félix Callejo Gran Callejo Gran Reserva 2014 Red 91 14.5
Bodegas Hnos. Pérez Pascuas Pérez Pascuas Gran Reserva 2015 Red 96 14.5
Bodegas Hnos. Pérez Pascuas Viña Pedrosa Crianza Crianza 2018 Red 91 14
Bodegas Hnos. Pérez Pascuas Viña Pedrosa Gran Reserva Gran Reserva 2015 Red 96 14.5
Bodegas Hnos. Pérez Pascuas Viña Pedrosa Reserva Reserva 2017 Red 93 14.5
Bodegas Ismael Arroyo Valsotillo Finca Buenavista Cosecha 2017 Red 91 14.5
Bodegas Ismael Arroyo Valsotillo VS 40th Anniversary Cosecha 2016 Red 95 14.5
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
Page 23
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
DESIGNATION
VINTAGE
COLOUR
BODEGA
AGEING
BRAND
SCORE
ABV%
Bodegas Territorio Luthier Blanco Cosecha 2018 White 92 12
Bodegas Territorio Luthier Jesús Madrazo Selección Cosecha 2016 Red 92 14.5
Bodegas Territorio Luthier Jesús Madrazo Selección Cosecha 2018 Red 92 14.6
Bodegas y Viñedos Gallego Zapatero Yotuel Finca La Nava Cosecha 2016 Red 95 14.5
Bodegas y Viñedos Gallego Zapatero Yotuel Finca San Miguel Cosecha 2012 Red 95 14.5
Bodegas y Viñedos Gallego Zapatero Yotuel Finca Valdepalacios Cosecha 2014 Red 96 14.5
Lleiroso Edición Especial Sergio
Bodegas y Viñedos Lleiroso Reserva 2014 Red 90 14.5
Hernández
Bodegas y Viñedos Pradorey El Retablo I Cosecha NV Red 91 14.5
Bodegas y Viñedos Señorio de Aldea Agoris Viñedos Centenarios Cosecha 2014 Red 90 14.5
Bodegas y Viñedos Vega de Yuso Tres Matas Vendimia Seleccionada Cosecha 2016 Red 90 15
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
Page 24
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
DESIGNATION
VINTAGE
COLOUR
BODEGA
AGEING
BRAND
SCORE
ABV%
Conde de San Cristóbal Flamingo Rosé Rosado 2019 Rosé 91 14.5
Dominio del Aguila Pícaro del Aguila Clarete Rosado 2018 Rosé 91 14
Familia Fernández Rivera Tinto Pesquera Millenium Gran Reserva 2015 Red 92 14.5
Hermanos Sastre Pago de Santa Cruz Gran Reserva 2014 Red 94 14.5
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
Page 25
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
DESIGNATION
VINTAGE
COLOUR
BODEGA
AGEING
BRAND
SCORE
ABV%
Hermanos Sastre Pago de Santa Cruz Cosecha 2017 Red 93 14.5
Hermanos Sastre Viña Sastre Marcelian Gómez Rosado Cosecha 2019 Rosé 90 14
M. Chapoutier España Dominio del Soto Blanco Cosecha 2019 White 92 12.5
M. Chapoutier España Dominio del Soto Crianza Crianza 2017 Red 94 14.5
Pago de los Capellanes Pago de los Capellanes Crianza 2018 Red 91 14.5
Pago de los Capellanes Pago de los Capellanes El Picón Cosecha 2016 Red 93 14.5
Sei Solo Bodegas y Viñedos Preludio de Sei Solo Cosecha 2018 Red 90 15
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
Page 26
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
DESIGNATION
VINTAGE
COLOUR
BODEGA
AGEING
BRAND
SCORE
ABV%
Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5 Reserva 2016 Red 97 14.5
Viñedos Alonso del Yerro Alonso del Yerro Cosecha 2017 Red 94 14
Viñedos Alonso del Yerro María de Alonso del Yerro Cosecha 2016 Red 96 14
Viñedos y Bodegas García Figuero Tinto Figuero 15 Reserva 2016 Red 91 14.5
Viñedos y Bodegas García Figuero Tinto Figuero 4 Roble Cosecha 2019 Red 90 14.5
Viñedos y Bodegas García Figuero Tinto Figuero Viñas Viejas Cosecha 2017 Red 95 14.5
Viñedos y Bodegas Gormaz 12 Linajes Grano a Grano Cosecha 2018 Red 90 14.5
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
Page 27
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Winemakers
of Ribera
Clockwise from top left: Raúl Herreras, Belén Sanz and Iván Sanz, Fernando Zamora, Perico Elena, Alexis Moyano,
Marta Conde, Yulia Zhdanova
Page 28
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Clockwise from top left: Jordi Alonso and Antonio Moro, Pablo Álvarez, Jorge Monzón, Felipe Martín Cabezón and
Antonio Garcia Figuero, Carlos de la Fuente, Isaac Fernández Montaña, Emmanuel Ivars
Page 29
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Clockwise from top left: Ricardo and Juan Esteban, Nuria Peña Albillo, Ricardo Peñalba, Lionel Gourgue, Roberto Aragón,
Moncho Martínez and Cesar Martínez
Page 30
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Clockwise from top left: María de Alonso del Yerro, Agapito Bravo Gormez, Almudena Calvo, Félix González, Celia and
Juan Carlos Vizcarra, Pedro Antón
Page 31
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Clockwise from top left: David Hernando and Bertrand Sourdais, Alejandro Moyano, Goyo and Carolina García Viadero,
Ana Carazo, Carlos Moro, Ángel Calleja, Jesús Sastre, Antonio Moral
Page 32
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
TIM ATKIN MW RIBERA DEL DUERO 2020/21 TOP 100
Clockwise from top left: Gonzalo Iturriaga, Jaime Suárez, Noelia, José Felix and Beatriz Callejo, Paco Rodero,
José Manuel Pérez, Oscar Aragón, Peter Sisseck
Page 33
© Copyright 2021 Ribera del Duero Top 100 - All Rights Reserved
For wine reviews, articles and more
special reports go to: www.timatkin.com
All written content and winemaker portraits by Tim Atkin MW. Landscape photos
courtesy of the Consejo Regulador de Ribera del Duero © 2021 Tim Atkin MW
Sub-editing by Sue Wixley
Layout and design by Elise Castrodale