2018 Ausas Interpretacion (750ml)

Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero, Castilla y Leon, Spain

96D

95WA

Ribera benefited from regular seasons and a very cold winter in 2018, according to Xavier Ausàs, which is why he's such a fan of the vintage. This is the third release of this excellent, pan-Rioja blend from Vega Sicilia's long-term former winemaker and is his best yet. Combining Tinto Fino grapes from five villages between 780 and 900m, it's a subtle, refined red that carries its 15% alcohol with ease, showing chalky minerality, scented 35% new wood, tobacco and red berry fruit flavours and a long, stylish, lightly balsamic finish.

96 points, Tim Atkin, Decanter (Aug 2021)

He only produces one wine, of which I tasted the 2018 Interpretación, a classical, ripe and generously oaked Tinto Fino for the long haul. It was produced the same way as in previous years—fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in 225- and 500-liter oak barrels, 35% of them new, for 16 months. It's a combination of power and elegance, ripeness and balance, still very young with marked oak and plenty of tannins. It's full-bodied with deep, ripe flavors and a dry finish. 34,563 bottles, 495 magnums and some larger formats were filled in June 2020.

95 points, Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate (Jun 2021)

#ESAUTE18AE

$69.98

9 bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

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