2006 PS

100% Tinto Fino from very old (60–100 years) goblet-pruned vines grown on loamy and sandy soils at 850 m elevation, south-west orientation. Selected plots are located in La Horra, La Aguilera and Fresnillo. Hand-harvest is done bunch by bunch with later passes through a sorting table. Malolactic is carried out in casks followed by 30 months’ maturation in new French oak barrels of 225 litres. Production of 30,000 bottles. Tasted blind. Pungent spices, complex aromas that start to show attractive developing notes with touches of leather. A really complex wine with an oaky character, sweet spices and delicate, chalky tannins. Hedonistic, classic. This wine has the genuine taste of Ribera. It is at a great point in its evolution. It really is a top wine! Proof of the ageing potential of Aalto! (FC)

The glass-staining 2006 Aalto PS was aged for 32 months in 70% new French oak. It emits a super-expressive aromatic array of pain grille, crushed stone, lavender, spice box, and blackberry. Firm and structured on the palate, it has a boatload of intense, succulent, spicy fruit, ripe tannin, and impeccable balance. Drink this lengthy, powerful effort from 2016 to 2036. In truth, aside from the $55 difference in price, there is not much separating the Aalto from the Aalto PS in the 2006 vintage. Bodegas y Vinedos Aalto is the estate of the renowned Mariano Garcia, former winemaker at Vega Sicilia. Importer: Eric Solomon Selections, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 368-1565