2005 Alonso Del Yerro Ribera del Duero
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Tasting notes
The 2005 Alonso del Yerro is purple/black in color with a garnet rim. Smoke, violets, scorched earth, truffle, blackberry and blueberry aromas lead to a dense, sweetly fruited, intense effort with several years of aging potential. Drink it from 2014 to 2025. The current owners purchased this estate in 2002 and hired Stephane Derenoncourt of Bordeaux renown as consultant. The Alonso del Yerro cuvee, made from 100% Tempranillo, typically goes through ML in barrel followed by 12 months sur lie with batonnage in new French oak. The Maria cuvee (also 100% Tempranillo) is fermented in new oak vats, goes through a longer maceration than the Alonso bottling, and is aged in new French oak for 18 months sur lie with batonnage. As a side note, Vinedos Alonso del Yerro has started a new project in neighboring Toro called Paydos. I tasted barrel samples of the first two vintages, 2008 and 2009. They were both exceptional; the 2009, in particular, due to the virtually perfect vintage conditions in Toro. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Purple/black-colored, the 2005 Alonso del Yerro has a brooding nose of earth, mineral, blackberry, and blueberry compote. This is followed by a smooth-textured, opulent wine with tons of flavor. It has a long, pure finish and several years of aging potential. It is an excellent value for a Ribera del Duero of this quality. Vinedos Alonso del Yerro was purchased in 2002 and Stephane Derenoncourt was hired on as consultant. Malolactic fermentation was in new French oak followed by aging sur-lie for 12 months with batonnage. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates From Spain; tel. (781) 461-5767
Smoky, peppery dark fruit and an attractive note of violets. Very concentrated and savoury. Rich, warm and dense and pretty closed at the moment. Needs time (hence the plus). (JH)
Deep ruby. Rich dark berry aromas are complemented by espresso, dark chocolate and licorice. Youthfully brooding flavors of deep blackberry and cassis are framed by solid tannins. Gains sweetness on the finish, which leaves a trace of candied rose. This needs some time.