RIBERA DEL DUERO VINTAGE GUIDE

Click on each vintage to see what we currently have in stock on our main website:

  • 2019 - a warm and consistent vintage, it is one that might lack the valleys and peaks of the cooler 2018 season, but the overall quality should be consistently high. Although frost threatened in May and June, cool weather was the worst of it for many vineyards, meaning suppressed yields was the biggest detriment. Limited rain in the growing season and good water reserves from the previous year led to compact grapes full of flavor.

  • 2018 - The 2018s from Ribera del Duero are marked by freshness and poise.  Following the difficult 2017 vintage, the region rebounded with a swell of promising wines. While cool and moderate climactically, grapes were able to reach physiological ripeness slowly and evenly, resulting in an approachable and homogeneous vintage. It’s one to keep an eye on as we’re still waiting on some of the major releases, but early indicators suggest it’s a vintage loaded with upside.

 

  • 2017 - To put it simply, it’s a winemakers vintage. Brutal late April frosts caused a drastic reduction in yields and some estates reported up to a 90% drop in production. Many producers were left scrambling to purchase bulk grapes just to keep barrels full and the doors open, but those fortunate enough to press enough wine from estate fruit crafted delicate, approachable wines. The top 2017s still warrant space in your cellar, but collectors should buy with a level of discernment.

 

  • 2016 - 2016 has turned out to be a truly spectacular vintage in the Duero Zone and one that will reward for years upon years. The Wine Advocate’s Luis Gutierrez believes that 2016 “could be the best vintage of recent times.” We can’t agree more. It was a generally moderate year temperature-wise, enabling an even fruit set and above average yields. Not only are the wines graceful and elegant, but many possess a multidimensional flair that can only be attributed to the confluence of a terrific vintage with the region’s top winemakers entering the primes of their careers. Globally, it is one of the most consistently brilliant vintages out there – from Burgundy to Bordeaux, Rioja to Ribera, odds are you can find a gem if it has 2016 stamped on the label. 

 

  • 2015 - The hot and dry conditions of the vintage undoubtedly favored the old vines in Ribera. Hydric stress was the norm, and harvest occurred two weeks earlier than usual. Nitrogen deficiency was a factor in the balance of the wines. The best producers resisted the temptation to over-extract, and their wines show soft tannins albeit high alcohols. The aromatics are extremely expressive, and flavors are clean.

 

  • 2014 - Ideal conditions prevailed throughout the growing season, allowing virtually everyone to make good wines, and many of the best estates to produce truly great bottlings. While many of the top wines are still in cask or bottled and awaiting release, the initial impressions suggest a similar style to 2004, but with a more harmonious balance, thanks to the larger yields.

 

  • 2013 - A season rife with challenges, 2013 truly separated the wheat from the chaff. Conditions were predominantly cool and overcast, but yields became the deciding factor in quality. Producers who allowed their vineyards to proliferate were forced to wait... and wait... and wait, and the grapes failed to ripen before September rains arrived. However, those who culled fruit early in the season saw balanced ripeness at harvest, and fruit was brought in well before the rains. Some truly world-class wines were made, but diligent research is necessary ahead of purchase.

 

  • 2012 - A scorchingly hot vintage, even by the standards of central Spain, Ribera's best producers still managed to craft wines of balance and suitable freshness, thanks to the vines largely shutting down ripening due to hydric stress. Localized showers in August and September also helped to preserve some vibrancy in the final wines, but not all producers benefited equally. With discerning selection, some truly great wines can be had. 

 

  • 2011 - The most significant difference between 2011 and 2012 in Ribera del Duero was that, in 2011, the vines endured prolonged heat and drought, but hydric stress did not take hold, so the fruit continued ripening apace on its way to a record early harvest. The resulting wines are big, powerful, and rich. Finesse and balance are not hallmarks of the vintage, and the wines will be best consumed in the medium term.

 

  • 2010 - All the factors that made it a stellar vintage for nearby Rioja seemed to bless the Duero producers, as well. No severe weather challenges of any kind tested the growers, and for the first time since 2004, high quality is basically uniform across the board. The fruit reached optimum ripeness, but sacrificed not a bit of balance. This is one of the top three vintages for Ribera del Duero in the past 20 years. In 2010, the D.O. showed its finest side.

 

  • 2009 - A scorching heatwave swept the Duero for much of the year, with average temps eclipsing those of the torrid 2003 vintage. A key decision on when to harvest was the critical factor in many producers making some of their finest wines ever. Timely September rains rescued the parched vines, and quantity and quality soared to the finish line. Producers who held off picking until after the rains were handsomely rewarded for the patience and faith. The wines are power driven, but with sound structure for real longevity.

 

 

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