Region: Spain
Appellation: D.O. Ribera del Duero
Grape: 98% Tempranillo, 2% Albillo
ABV: 14.5%
96 points Wine Advocate

The 2018 Finca Pena Lobera was produced with Tempranillo and 2% Albillo from selected plots of centenary vines in the paraje (lieu-dit), and it fermented in open-top 500-liter oak barrels with indigenous yeasts. The wine matured in those barrels, and half of the volume was moved into concrete after malolactic and completed its elevage there. The blend matured in concrete for a further 11 months. They didn't do this wine in 2017 because of the frost. This place produces very expressive wines that are floral and perfumed, with elegance and nuance. The palate is powerful and fresh, with fine-grained tannins and a lively mouthfeel with fresh flavors combined with vibrant acidity. This is a year of freshness and balance, and this wine shows lots of elegance. They are shortening the time in oak but giving them extra time in concrete, and it feels like a good move. The oak is perfectly integrated, and the wine is not missing anything. 1,668 bottles and 80 magnums were filled in May 2020.

Pair with stews, meats, poultry dishes.