Ribero del Duero is one of the top wine regions in Spain. At its heart is what has been dubbed “the golden mile.” Many of the region’s top producers have their vineyards there, including Vega Sicilia, Pesquera, and Dominio de Pingus. As one of the greatest but most overlooked wine regions globally, I keep an eye on it.
When Emina opened their winery a short distance from Vega Sicilia, I made a point of getting a few bottles. I wasn’t disappointed.
This wine didn’t see much distribution on the East Coast, until now. The ’05 Atio just hit the PLCB luxury wine shops at about $10 cheaper than anywhere else in the world.
The perfumed aroma of burnt cedar, cinnamon, and licorice on the nose. A year and a half in new French oak show itself in the wine’s sweet vanilla and espresso attack. Blueberry and blackberry flavors come rich and ripe, and the tannins are still impressive, though mellowing a bit with age. Fresh fennel and basil notes on the finish with another wallop of smoky fruit.
For a pairing, try grilled lamb chops or a dry aged ribeye. A hunk of aged gouda is pretty awesome, too.
Just wondering how long I can hang onto a few bottles of Emina 2005 Atio before they should be enjoyed? Thx.
The 05 is drinking very well know. I’d say the optimum window for this bottle is now to December 2016.