2020 Finca Villacreces Ribera del Duero

Product Description

Described by Robert Parker as “the hidden jewel of Ribera del Duero”, Finca Villacreces forms part of the regions ‘golden mile’ alongside their neighbours Vega Sicilia and Pingus. Located in Quintanilla de Onésimo, this stunning estate was purchased by the Antón family of Izadi in 2003. The wines, made by winemaker Ángel Ortega together with Luis Laso, are deep, dark, and focused in style.

The vineyards of Finca Villacreces follow what is called ‘integrated viticulture’, using canopy management and natural treatments, instead of artificial chemicals. The combination of sand, gravel, shingle, and quartz soils encourage low yields of intensely flavoured grapes (around three tonnes per hectare and only two kilos per vine). The estate’s 64 hectares of vines are planted at 735 metres above sea level. 85% of the vineyards are planted with Tempranillo on sandy soils, which impart an attractive fleshiness to the wines. The remaining vines are 5% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, planted on quartz and shingle, giving more mineral complexity to the blend.

The 2020 vintage started with a winter which saw both mild and extreme temperatures. This was followed by a rainy spring which resulted in early budding and healthy, weighted grape bunches. High temperatures hit in June and July that helped to ripen the grapes to optimal levels, which led to a high quality harvest, with well-structured wines.

The Ribera del Duero is concentrated, with excellent depth and complexity, complemented by red and black fruit notes and hints of spice. This wine is inky purple in colour with an expressive bouquet of espresso, toasted bread, graphite and wild blueberry. The palate is full-bodied, with layers of plush black fruit, woodsmoke and nutmeg, structured by fine grained tannins and juicy acidity.