2001 Gran Reserva

100% Tinto Fino. A blend from vineyards in the Burgos area (Roa and La Horra). This was a vintage in which there was a big frost at the end of April, which made for a very short cycle, although a dry summer and early autumn allowed for optimum ripening, with great concentration and tannin content. At that time, more American oak was used, with more tannin. Nowadays, mainly French oak is  used. Minimum ageing of 24 months in barrels. It is not on the market, although it has been available as part of the Antología Gran Reserva de Protos collection, a case containing six Ribera del Duero vintages to remember. The current vintage is the 2015, of which they produced 50,000 bottles. Extra-sweet fruit. Incredible sweetness. Concentrated, mellow but sweet tannin, notes of sweet spices. For such a complex vintage, this wine is holding up exceptionally well. A touch of bitterness at the end of the palate, which is enveloped by the ripe fruit. (FC)