WINE REVIEW: Two Notable Spanish Reds From Ribera del Duero

by Andrew Chalk

Bodegas Aster, 2020 El Espino, Ribero Del Duero, Spain ($40)

A really enjoyable complex red wine from Ribera del Duero, one of Spain’s best wine regions. Other critics preferred the second wine, but this was more balanced, to my palate. Best with lamb, beef, venison.

TASTING NOTES

NAME:	Bodegas Aster, 2020 El Espino, Ribero Del Duero, Spain
	COMMENTS
APPEARANCE
Clarity	clear
Intensity	deep
Color	ruby
NOSE
Condition	clean
Intensity	medium plus
Aroma Characteristics	raspberry, blackcurrant, forest floor, chocolate, coconut,
PALATE
Sweetness	dry
Acidity	medium plus
Tannin	medium/chewy
Alcohol	medium
Body	medium
Flavor Intensity	medium plus
Flavor characteristics	rasapberry, blackcurrant, forest floor, chocolate, coconut,
Other observations	ripe fruit
Finish	long
Quality assessment	Very Good. Fruit and secondary flavors combine for a delicious mouthfeel.
Ageability	Suitable

---

Bodegas Aster, 2019 Finca El Otero, Ribero Del Duero, Spain ($60)

Powerful, structured, with dense black fruit. Needs more time for its tannins to soften and its components to resolve.

TASTING NOTES

NAME:	Bodegas Aster, 2019 Finca El Otero, Ribero Del Duero, Spain
	COMMENTS
APPEARANCE
Clarity	clear
Intensity	deep
Color	ruby
NOSE
Condition	clean
Intensity	medium plus
Aroma Characteristics	blackberry, forest floor, pencil lead, green tea
PALATE
Sweetness	dry
Acidity	medium plus
Tannin	medium plus/coarse
Alcohol	medium
Body	medium
Flavor Intensity	medium plus
Flavor characteristics	blackberry, pencil lead, green tea
Other observations	ripe fruit
Finish	long
Quality assessment	Very Good. But the tannins need to soften before it is truly enjoyable. Give it five years and try it again.
Agability	Suitable

Samples.