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Exquisitely crafted, cellar worthy old vine Spanish Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero priced to enjoy often – what's not to like? Sourced from vineyards over 100 years of age, the powerful 93pt 2018 Dominio de Atauta boasts juicy, luxurious fresh fruit with lavish depth and smooth tannins, a bold Spanish red with "great balance and tension" according to the Wine Advocate's Luis Gutierrez – at an incredible value.
Located 1,000 meters above sea level in the eastern end of Ribera near the Douro River, the pre-phylloxera vineyards of Dominio de Atauta are planted with the local clone of Tempranillo known as Tinto Fino in sandy, limestone soils, with vines ranging from 85 to 165 years of age. While small parcels are the norm in the region, Dominio de Atauta takes it to the extreme, its 40 hectares of vineyards spread over 500 distinct plots sustainably farmed by hand. Enjoying constant drying winds and the most pronounced day to night temperature ranges in the DO, Atauta's microclimate between the Sistema Central and Sistema Iberico Mountains allows for long, slow ripening while preserving acidity and enhancing the grapes' distinctively fresh flavors. Produced from 10-12 low yielding valley plots, winemaker Jamie Suarez fermented each parcel separately in concrete before making the final blend, then aged the 2018 Dominio de Atauta for 16 months in 15% new French oak, creating a harmonious, vibrant Tempranillo on a backbone of refined tannins and balanced acidity.
Championing the contribution of old vine fruit to overall quality, the Wine Spectator's Matt Kramer declared, "All other things being equal, I'll buy an old-vine wine every time." Proof positive, the outstanding 2018 Dominio de Atauta is seamlessly crafted from small scale, old vine, hand tended Ribera del Duero vineyards delivering top quality Tempranillo, affordably priced to enjoy over and over. |