Astrales 2007 Ribera del Duero

Region: Ribera del Duero D.O.
Winery: ASTRALES, BODEGAS LOS

Grapes: 100% Tinto Fino
Vintage: 2007
Color: Red

The Romero de la Cruz family has twenty nine hectares planted, only twelve of which are used to form the backbone of the wine. Fourteen of those were planted between 2003 and 2004 with densities up to twice that of the older vines. The vineyards are composed of Tinto Fino vines which were grafted with their own clones by means of mass selection. Thy range in age from between 25 to 80 years old. These 12 hectare comprise 7 different vineyards, around the village of Anguix. The soils surrounding this village are comprised of clay and sand leading to a finer texture of tannin in finished wines. Vines are grown in vaso form with shorter trunks than in most of Ribera del Duero helping to shield the vines from the wind which contributes to the accumulation of polyphenols and sugars. No chemicals are used in the vineyard beyond sulphur and that only if absolutely necessary.

Yields were around 1.5 tons/acre. The estate’s clay soils and cooler than average mesoclimate helped to maintain natural acidity in the grapes. Native yeast, relatively short macerations, and pumping over as opposed to punch downs, are key in maintaining all the fruit character and getting the highest bouquet intensity. Movement of the grapes proceeds by gravity throughout the winery with the goal of avoiding a rough extraction of tannins. The wine was aged 17 months in 80% French oak barrels and 20% American, 30% of which were new.

Reviews:
The Wine Enthusiast, 94 points.
Shows almost all that’s great about the region: dark, smoky, floral berry and chocolate aromas followed by juicy, acid-driven boysenberry, spice, bitter chocolate and peppery flavors. An excellent effort for a tough vintage, with dynamite power and a poise. Drink 2012–2018.
Top 100 Enthusiast Wines for 2010
Issue 2310, October 2010

The Wine Advocate, 93 points.
The 2007 Los Astrales is 100% Tinto Fino aged for 17 months in 30% new French and American oak. Purple/black colored, it delivers a superb aromatic array of smoke, pencil lead, espresso, spice box, blackberry, and licorice. On the palate this full-bodied, opulent offering is packed and stacked with dense black fruit and spice notes, enough structure to blossom for another 4-6 years, and a lengthy finish. It admirably combines power and elegance and will be in its prime from 2014 to 2027.
Issue 188, April 2010

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, 92 points.
Opaque ruby. Vibrant aromas of raspberry, cherry-cola and Asian spices, lifted by a sexy floral topnote. Juicy, gently sweet red berry flavors are firmed by silky tannins, picking up subtle candied rose and star anise qualities with air. Very nicely balanced wine with excellent finishing clarity and floral persistence.
Issue 152, Sept/Oct 2010

International Wine Review, 93 points.
The ruby purple Astrales has a magnificent nose of black cherry and cassis fruit. It is ripe and explosive on the attack with pure fruit and earth. On the palate it reveals a silky texture and chalky, fine-grained tannins. Sourced from estate-grown old vines Tempranillo and aged for 18 months in oak, this wine offers elegance, a beautiful balance and a long, refined finish. It’s best to decant this wine, which we found improved considerably in the hours after opening it.
Issue 23, June 2010