The 2022 Aalto from Ribera del Duero was aged in barrels of varying origin and age. Aromas of cedar, caramel and ripe fruit open the nose, followed by cherry, balsamic herbs and a hint of wildflowers and underbrush. The palate is broad and creamy, with oak defining the profile while moderate tannins reveal the fruit. A balanced, polished expression of modern Ribera. (JH)

Ripe dark cherries and blackberries swathed into a dusty, woody background, with touches of licorice, vanilla and violet extract. Juicy and fine-grained on the palate with full body and a fine-boned tannins. Structured and long. Drink from 2025. (ZS)

The 2022 Aalto has a dark color and a very smoky nose with meaty notes (smoky bacon?), ripe dark berry fruit (a little too ripe for me this year) and abundant herbs and is quite spicy. This is the prototype Aalto, ripe (15% alcohol), powerful, concentrated and generously oaked but with stuffing and power and the balance to resolve the tannins and age for a long time in bottle. It has a marked profile that will not please those in search of a light and fresh red. This is a thoroughbred Ribera. (LG)