Wine Advocate (96)

The Gran Reserva from 2014 had also been bottled for over one year when I tasted the wines, so I included the 2014 Peñas Aladas Gran Reserva in this report, although the wine might take some time to reach the market. This is a rare wine, matured in oak barrels for 45 months and produced in limited quantities in a painfully slow process to create a wine with very high aging potential that, even when released some five or six years after the harvest, feels too young and a little raw. It feels a lot gentler and approachable than the 2013 I tasted next to it; it's more aromatic and expressive, complex and at the same time easy to understand. The palate is also approachable and tender, with very fine-grained tannins, when in reality, it's very powerful and tannic, but the balance is terrific. It should develop beautifully in bottle, and the Ribera character, which is there, should be even more evident with a little more time. 3,051 bottles and 43 magnums were filled unfined and unfiltered by hand in June 2018.

Wine Advocate (98)

Their Gran Reserva style red 2015 Peñas Aladas Gran Reserva had a very long aging in barrel, a total of 54 months, including six months of malolactic fermentation. This comes from a myriad of small plots of some of the oldest vines in the village of La Aguilera in the same zone that names the wine, at 870 to 890 meters in altitude. The valley receives very cold winds from the Duero River, and the vineyards are surrounded by junipers, pines and oak trees, which makes it up to three degrees Celsius lower than the rest of the village, one of the coldest places in the whole of Ribera del Duero. The soils have a layer of sand that is gradually mixed with clay until around one meter deep, and then there's a layer of marl and limestone, a textbook soil for the vine. 2015 was a powerful vintage, and there was some frost that also delivered a little more concentration. The wine has an old Ribera del Duero style, with some rusticity and lots of power, energy and concentration but with great balance. It has plenty of fine tannins and lots of chalkiness. This should be very long lived. 2,223 bottles and 41 magnums were hand bottled unfiltered and unfined in May 2020.

Wine Advocate (100)

The youth, freshness, balance and harmony of the 2016 Peñas Aladas Gran Reserva is gobsmacking. The wine is a little shy, insinuating, reticent and a little closed, and it feels younger than it is. It comes from a collection of small plots of some of the oldest vines in the village of La Aguilera in the lieu-dit, or "paraje," that names the wine, in a small valley surrounded by pine, holm and juniper trees, where there is a cold draft of air and the temperature is lower than in the rest of the village. The soils are sandy and intermixed with clay on a marl mother rock. The plants are mostly Tempranillo, but as they are very old vines, there's always a field blend of other varieties—Albillo Mayor, Monastrell, Garnacha, Bobal and Cariñena—all fermented together with full clusters that were foot trodden in concrete vats and indigenous yeasts. Malolactic was in barrel and lasted for 11 months, while the élevage was extended to a total of 55 months (almost five years!). After all this time in barrels, the wine is not oaky at all; it's floral and perfumed, elegant, nuanced and layered. The texture is silky, and it's medium-bodied, with moderate ripeness, 14% alcohol and very good freshness denoted by a pH of 3.41. It has fine tannins that make it nicely textured and fine-boned, with subtle minerality. This should be veeeeeery long lived, as it has the stuffing, all the ingredients and the balance between them to make old bones. Amazing juice. 3,591 bottles and 51 magnums were filled in April 2021.

Jeb Dunnuck (95)

The 2015 Reserva checks in a Tempranillo-dominated red with 15% comprising a field blend of Garnacha, Bobal, and Albillo, all aged 35 months in barrel. Gorgeous blueberries, smoked blackberries, roasted herbs, chocolate, lead pencil, and graphite notes dominate the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a concentrated, powerful texture, lots of tannins, and a great finish. It certainly shows the warmer style of the vintage in its texture and tannins, yet it stays balanced and offers notable freshness as well as a great finish. It has another decade of prime drinking.

Wine Advocate (97)

Quite different from the 2015 was the 2016 Reserva, a red from a cooler year with good yields, so they were able to increase production of this wine over twofold and increase the quality! It took some seven months to complete fermentation, and the élevage in barrel lasted some 29 months. It has an incredible nose, violets and something musky, intriguing, complex and nuanced, mysterious and difficult to define, with some notes reminiscent of soy sauce. The palate is seamless and with terrific balance, a silky texture and very fine but chalky tannins. This is an amazing Ribera del Duero. 18,834 bottles and 519 magnums produced. It was bottled in April 2019.

Wine Advocate (97)

Quite different from the 2015 was the 2016 Reserva, a red from a cooler year with good yields, so they were able to increase production of this wine over twofold and increase the quality! It took some seven months to complete fermentation, and the élevage in barrel lasted some 29 months. It has an incredible nose, violets and something musky, intriguing, complex and nuanced, mysterious and difficult to define, with some notes reminiscent of soy sauce. The palate is seamless and with terrific balance, a silky texture and very fine but chalky tannins. This is an amazing Ribera del Duero. 18,834 bottles and 519 magnums produced. It was bottled in April 2019.

Tim Atkin MW (96)

Produced in what Jorge Monzón calls the "tragic", frost-hit 2017 vintage, when yields were down 85%, this shows that, in the right hands, what survived was often very good indeed. Marrying Tinto Fino with 5% Monastrell and 2% Albillo Mayor, all of it aged in old wood, this is herbal, chalky and intense, with stem ginger and wild strawberry flavours, fine tannins and impressive length.

Wine Advocate (97)

2017 was a low-yielding year, so I also tasted the 2018 Reserva, their flagship red wine that wants to be a representation of the village of La Aguilera—fine, serious and elegant. It's 95% Tempranillo with the remaining grapes found interplanted in their oldest vineyards at an average of 880 meters in altitude on limestone, clay and sandy soils. All the clusters ferment together with indigenous yeasts in concrete, where they are foot trodden, and malolactic was carried out very slowly (11 months) in oak barrels where the wine matured for a total of 27 months. It has a somewhat shy nose but is very elegant. The wine was recently bottled, and that can make it a little closed and subtle, and it clearly improves with air as it sits in the glass. It's still young, and the palate reveals lots of energy; the flavors are very pure and the wine precise and delineated. The tannins are very fine and provide for a chalky texture and an almost salty twist in the finish. This is very in line with the 2016. 15,250 bottle and 101 magnums produced. It was bottled in February 2021.

Wine Advocate (97)

2017 was a low-yielding year, so I also tasted the 2018 Reserva, their flagship red wine that wants to be a representation of the village of La Aguilera—fine, serious and elegant. It's 95% Tempranillo with the remaining grapes found interplanted in their oldest vineyards at an average of 880 meters in altitude on limestone, clay and sandy soils. All the clusters ferment together with indigenous yeasts in concrete, where they are foot trodden, and malolactic was carried out very slowly (11 months) in oak barrels where the wine matured for a total of 27 months. It has a somewhat shy nose but is very elegant. The wine was recently bottled, and that can make it a little closed and subtle, and it clearly improves with air as it sits in the glass. It's still young, and the palate reveals lots of energy; the flavors are very pure and the wine precise and delineated. The tannins are very fine and provide for a chalky texture and an almost salty twist in the finish. This is very in line with the 2016. 15,250 bottle and 101 magnums produced. It was bottled in February 2021.

Wine Advocate (96)

2019 was a warm and dry low-yielding year, somewhat similar to 2015, and the 2019 Reserva could be the modern version of the 2015—a round, lush and approachable Reserva that is perfumed and fruit-driven, with spices in the background. It's a hedonist cuvée of 95% Tempranillo and 5% other grapes from some of the oldest grapes in the village. It fermented in concrete with indigenous yeasts followed by a slow malolactic in 228-liter French oak barrels, mostly used, where the wine matured for 35 months. It reveals very good integration of the oak that is neatly folded into the wine. It shows the tannic structure of the 2019 vintage. 23,875 bottles and 430 magnums produced. It was bottled in September 2022.

Tim Atkin MW (98)

It’s easy to forget that the first vintage of Garmón was as recent as 2014 such is the quality of the wine, but the García family’s longstanding association with the region has certainly contributed to its success Picked 10 days later than the 2017 this is my favourite release yet, combining vineyards aged between 30 and 100 years in Anguix, Baños de Valdearados, Moradillo and Tubilla. Chalky, balanced and effortlessly refined, with notes of red berries, fennel and spice, subtle oak and thrilling freshness. A truly great Ribera.

Tim Atkin MW (97)

Eduardo García used fruit from six different villages – Anguix, Baños de Valdearados. La Aguilera, Moradillo, Quintanilla de Onésimo and Tubilla del Lago – to produce the latest vintage of this world-class red, blending their characters as an artist might mix a palette of colours. Spicy, chalky, structured yet refined, with haunting perfume, subtle oak, enviable density, energy and poise and the concentration to age.

From the renowned French vineyard, the exquisite Glantenay Volnay 1er Cru Les Ronceret 2020 is a testament to the exceptional terroir of Volnay in Burgundy. Hailing from the 2020 vintage, the fragrant, vivid red fruits of this Pinot Noir are beautifully complimented by its mineral nuances and velvety tannins. Predominantly grown in calcareous-clay soils, the grapes are hand-picked, de-stemmed, then gently pressed, allowing extraction of sublime flavours and holding back excessive tannins.

This wine has spent 18 months maturing in oak barrels, crafted by the talented Glantenay family, who have been making wine in Volnay for several generations. With its deep ruby hue and the balance of fruit, spice, and earthy notes, Glantenay Volnay 1er Cru Les Ronceret 2020 is a captivating expression of its unique origin. Expertly crafted and reflecting the passion and dedication of its makers, this is a wine for true connoisseurs.

Tim Atkin MW (97)

This superb Reserva from the textbook, cooler climate 2016 vintage is one of the best young wines I have ever tasted from Carlos de la Fuente and Peter Sisseck. Marrying Tinto Fino with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 40% new wood, this comes from a parcel with a very high limestone content, which adds freshness on these warm slopes. Scented, graceful and refined, it has cassis and blackberry fruit, graceful tannins, subtle wood and a long, tapering finish. Exceptional winemaking. 2023-32

Wine Advocate (95)

Somehow I didn't taste the 2017 Hacienda Monasterio, but I did taste the 2017 Reserva, which is quite impressive for such a challenging year in Ribera del Duero. They suffered less from the frost on the property, which is quite warm and usually frost-free. The wine has a seductive nose that combines raspberries and cranberries with herbs and flowers. It's ripe at 15% alcohol, but it does not show heat or alcohol. This is 80% to 82% Tinto Fino and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon that matured in barrel for some 20 months. It's medium to full-bodied, juicy, rich and velvety, with fine, chalky tannins. The wine really transcends the challenges of the vintage and delivers more than I expected. 35,000 bottles produced.

The top shelf expression of Hacienda Monasterio, the Reserva Especial is not produced every year and could be the equivalent of a Gran Reserva. It is typically a Temperanillo-dominated blend complemented with Cabernet Sauvignon. Quantities may vary but for the 2015 vintage, only 4,000 bottles were produced. Although sitting in bottle for years now, the estate doesn’t allow anyone to taste the wine until it's actually released, which is usually a few months later in the calendar year than its younger siblings.

Wine Advocate (92)

The 2018 Volnay 1er Cru Les Chevrets is showing beautifully, unfurling in the glass with aromas of cherries, rose petals, cassis and violets. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, with an ample chassis of powdery tannins, fine concentration and succulent acids. From a parcel of 58-year-old vines, this is a quintessentially elegant Volnay that should also drink well young.

Experience the exquisite taste of Hospices de Beaune Volnay 1er Cru Cuvee Blondeau 2014, an exemplary fine wine exemplary of the magnificent Burgundy region. Produced in the esteemed Hospices de Beaune, rooted in a tradition of charitable work and excellence in winemaking since 1443, this wine carries the allure of history merged with elite craftsmanship.

This magnificent Volnay 1er Cru, made from 100% Pinot Noir grape emanates an array of vibrant red fruits underpinned by fine-grained tannins complementing its complexity. Each grape was meticulously harvested by hand in the vintage year of 2014, ensuring optimum quality.

The Cuvee Blondeau is matured in French oak barrels, infusing it with silky texture and delicate spicy notes. A true testament to French viticulture, this fine wine is perfect for the discerning palate seeking robust flavours elegantly balanced with a buoyant finish. Truly, the Hospices de Beaune Volnay 1er Cru Cuvee Blondeau 2014 represents the epitome of luxury imbibing.

Vinous (91-93)

(the Bouleys own a parcel of 50-to-55-year-old vines in the windy northern part of the cru that mostly avoided the frost in 2016; almost entirely destemmed): Full, deep red. Aromas of dark cherry and black raspberry are complemented by a musky oak element. Concentrated, rich and sweet, displaying an old-vines density to its flavors of cherry and saline minerality. This nuanced wine seems a bit less austere than usual but is nonetheless a more powerful style than the Carelles. Finishes with ripe tannins, subtle persistence and noteworthy grip.

Vinous (93)

The 2018 Volnay Les Caillerets 1er Cru has a gorgeous fragrant floral bouquet with bunches of roses complementing the vibrant red fruit. Wonderful intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with gently grippy tannins, quite spicy towards the finish with a slightly confit towards the end. This is destined to age very well. Superb.

Wine Advocate (92-94)

The 2015 Volnay 1er Cru les Fremiets has an elegant bouquet with scents of briary, woodland and red berry fruit. There is lovely purity of fruit here, great transparency. The palate is well balanced with fine structure, quite firm tannin, superb focus with red merging with black fruit towards the slightly saline finish. This is a great wine from Jean-Pierre Chalot.

Tim Atkin MW (94)

Densely flavorful on the palate, there are mulberries, cherry pits, grilled hazelnuts and a touch of underbrush. The fine-boned tannins chisel the rounded, medium-bodied palate before the perky acidity floods the nicely detailed finish. 2023-28

Vinous (92-94)

The 2017 Volnay Les Taillepieds 1er Cru has perhaps the most "airy" bouquet, it is very transparent at the moment, but the palate is much tighter and backward. There is good backbone here, but it is sulking and it is probably one of the Domaine’s wines that will require the longest bottle age. It has an almost Pommard-like austerity towards the finish. Excellent but one of the more challenging wines from the domaine.

Wine Advocate (92-94)

Opening in the glass with aromas of cassis, plums, rose petals and sweet soil tones, the 2020 Volnay 1er Cru Mitans is medium to full-bodied, velvety and layered, with a concentrated core of fruit, lively acids and ripe, powdery tannins, concluding with a perfumed finish.

Wine Advocate (91-93)

The 2016 Volnay 1er Cru Pitures comes from chalky soils strewn with small stones, and like last year, it will be only bottled in magnum. It has plenty of black cherry and blackcurrant fruit on the nose, lively and pretty, just a subtle black olive note developing in the glass. The palate is very well balanced with succulent ripe tannin, well structured with a sorbet-like freshness, the finish offering blood orange and tangerine among the red berry fruit. Superb. Grab one of those mags.

Vinous (89-91)

The 2020 Volnay Village is completely aged in used barrel. It has a transparent nose with lifted red cherry and crushed strawberry fruit with an underlying tertiary scent. The palate is more expressive than the aromatics with juicy ripe tart red cherries, quite citric in style with orange rind and a touch of bitter lemon enlivening the finish. This should drink well for up to 15 years, possibly more.

Burghound (90-93)

Outstanding Top value. This is aromatically similar to the straight Volnay but with more evidence spice and floral elements. There is outstanding intensity to the dense and powerful flavors that coat the palate with dry extract on the impressively long, balanced and firmly structured finale. This is absolutely terrific for its level and easily boxes above its weight.