CVNE 2019 “Bela” Ribera del Duero

This bottling is a brand new project from CVNE, the legendary Rioja winery. Bela is a single vineyard in the town of Villalba de Duero. While CVNE is known for classical Spanish Tempranillo-based wines, this is very much a departure. The wine is dense with very ripe fruit and new oak, with an aggressive tannin structure that could easily place this on a steakhouse wine list. On the nose, there is lovely violet and allspice notes. The palate is medium to full-bodied with round tannins and medium acidity, while the finish rolls toward mocha and river rocks.

92 Points | Purchased for $11.99 in PA, but a worthwhile purchase up to $20.