Abadia Retuerta Seleccion Especial 2017

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 92 pts

"2017 and 2018 were very different years in the Duero, but at Abadía Retuerta, the killer frost from 2017 barely touched the vines. The 2017 Selección Especial is concentrated from the low yields and ripe from the warm cycle. It's a blend of 75% Tempranillo, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Syrah and 3% Merlot that matured for 12 months in barrels, one-third new. It's ripe and creamy and has an extroverted personality. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with a juicy texture and fine, chalky tannins. 443,446 bottles produced"

Abadia Retuerta Winery. Credit: www.abadia-retuerta.com

Website: www.abadia-retuerta.com/en/

The Santa Maria lot and its Abbey are some of the most remarkable historic landmarks in the area. Although this winery is not under Ribera del Duero entirely, part of it does lie within Ribera's geographic limits, in what many call "La Milla de Oro" (The golden mile) thanks to illustrious neighbors such as Vega Sicilia, Pingus, Arzuaga, and others. This (modern) winery hasn't been around as long as it might look like - It wasn't until 1996, thanks to the financial muscle of the pharma group Novartis, that this ambitious project took place.

Common to the area, Abadia Retuerta planted mostly Tempranillo, although they're constantly innovating and have included multiple varieties which they're doing a lot of research on (Benefits of being out of the Ribera del Duero appellation, which strictly regulates varieties) such as Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah, Petit Verdot and, most recently, Graciano, which didn't usually ripen in this area in the past but now does.

Abadia Retuerta is a complete experience, as it has one of the best-ranked hotels in Spain by Tripadvisor, a luxurious 5-start Hotel and Spa with a Michelin star in-house retaurant choice to enjoy.