Each September, Tim Atkin MW spends two weeks in Ribera del Duero, meeting winemakers and sampling a large number of wines. This year, he tasted about 551 wines from 173 bodegas. In November 2024, he presented the fifth annual selection of his top 100 wines, with scores, at a tasting event in London. The top 100 wines all scored 94 points or more, representing the best of the region.
In addition to the top 100, the event featured high-scoring selections in two extra categories, Ribera del Duero on a Budget highlighting wines costing €16 euros or less and Unrepresented Producers to Watch, spotlighting upcoming but lesser-known bodegas. Altogether, there were 170 wines to sample. Unlike last year, when I focused exclusively on the high-scoring wines, this year I tasted most of them except those I skipped that were missing at tables.
At last year’s tasting, I noticed the traditional hallmark of Ribera del Duero wines, dark, oaky and tannic, still dominated but with a small shift towards greater elegance, freshness and balance. This year, the evolution was even more apparent. Many more wines diverged from the typical style, with some exceptional examples showcasing floral aromas and more delicate, nuanced flavours while maintaining a touch of the region’s characteristic robustness.
These are the wines that particularly stood out for me:
The Aalto 2022 from Aalto Bodegas Y Viñedos is a powerful expression of Tempranillo, with Tim scoring it a commendable 94 points. I had previously tried this wine at the Wines of Spain tasting, and it left a lasting impression at that time. Intense aromas of black fruit blend with hints of spices and oak, making this full-bodied wine both robust, smooth and intriguing. The structure is solid, and it lingers on the palate with a persistent finish. At 15% ABV, it certainly packs a punch. Available from Justerini & Brooks and City Wine Collection.
Viña Herbert 2015 from Bodegas Bohórquez also earned a score of 94. This wine, composed of 80% Tempranillo, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot, has a very deep cherry aroma and flavour. Unlike the typical heavily tannic style, it has gentler tannins that make it approachable and smooth. It is a great representation of a well-aged Reserva, with an ABV of 14%. Available from Ehrmanns Wine.
The Finca Las Dueñas 2020, made by Bodegas Francisco Barona, scored 96 and stands out for its deep and complex flavour profile. The wine, a blend of 75% Tinto Fino and 25% Garnacha, Bobal and Albillo Mayor, is marked by medium tannins, giving it a velvety texture that balances well with its intense flavours. 15% ABV. Available from Private Cellar.
Bodegas Hnos. Sastre’s Pesus Selección de Pedro y Jesús 2018 received a high score of 96. This blend of 85% Tempranillo with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot delivers an exceptional flavour experience with depth and richness. With a 15% ABV, it maintains a commanding presence while offering layers of nuanced taste. Not represented yet in the UK.
The 2025 release of Único Reserva Especial from Bodegas Vega Sicilia scored a perfect 100 from Tim. This wine is an exquisite blend of 96% Tinto Fino and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is fruit-forward, with a noticeable woody character compared to the previous year’s release. It is smooth, with remarkable complexity that lingers. The balance of flavours and the extraordinary finish make it an unforgettable wine. 14% ABV. Available from Berkmann.
Finca La Blanquera 2020 from Bodegas Y Viñedos Monteabellón earned 95 points. This 100% Tempranillo offers a beautifully aromatic and fruity profile, complemented by medium tannins that add structure without overwhelming the palate. At 14.5% ABV, it provides a vibrant, expressive experience that embodies a more modern take on Ribera del Duero wines. Not represented yet in the UK.
Finca Matambres 2020, also from Monteabellón, scored 93 points. It has great aromatic qualities and a well-balanced taste. 14.5% ABV. Not represented yet in the UK.
Viña Magna 2021 from Dominio Basconcillos scored an impressive 95 points. A blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet, and Malbec, this Reserva is notably aromatic and fruity. The wine is well-rounded, with an exceptional balance of flavours that had me coming back for more at the end of the tasting. At 15.5% ABV, it is rich and satisfying and for me the highlight of the tasting, after the Único. Available from Tanners Wine Merchants and City Wine Collection.
Reserva Especial 2022 from Grupo Vinicola Marques De Vargas scored 94 points. This 100% Tempranillo offers different, enticing smoky notes, adding depth and character to its flavour. The 14.5% ABV gives it a nice balance, making it a memorable Reserva. Not represented yet in the UK.
Parcela Caranorte 2021 from Montebaco scored 96 points, and this 100% Tempranillo impressed with its aromatic, floral and fruity characteristics. The mellow tannins make it approachable. Its more delicate yet expressive nature was a notable departure from the typical Ribera style. 14.5% ABV. Available from Champagne & Chateaux.
Doroteo 2019 by Pago De Los Capellanes received 95 points. This 100% Tempranillo is full-bodied with an aromatic nose and deep fruit flavours. With a powerful 15.5% ABV, it delivers intensity and richness, making it a standout choice for those looking for a bolder wine experience. Available from Enotria & Coe.
Unanimous Pago de San Vicente 2021 by Trespiedras Fuentecen scored 93 points. A blend of Tempranillo, Bobal, Grenache and Albillo Mayor, this wine offers a complex array of flavours. Spicy and more delicate, it reminded me of a great Pinot Noir with added robustness. It has an intriguing lightness while somehow still holding true to its Ribera roots with it’s 14.5% ABV. Not represented yet in the UK.
Bancales del Sardal 2022 from Uvaguilera scored 95 points. This blend of 75% Tempranillo and 25% Albillo Mayor is delicate for Ribera del Duero but still maintains a powerful flavour profile. ABV of 14%, showcasing depth and subtlety. Not represented yet in the UK.
Finally, Vera Vides 2023, also by Uvaguilera, received 92 points. With 75% Tempranillo, supported by Bobal, Albillo Mayor, and Garnacha, this wine offers a floral aroma dominated by violets. The low to medium tannins add to its delicate nature, and at just 12.5% ABV, it provides a lighter but beautifully aromatic option. Not represented yet in the UK.
My favourite wine of the tasting was the exceptional Único Reserva Especial (2025 Release), a masterpiece of balance and complexity. Its intensely fruit-forward character, paired with a smooth and refined structure, made it stand out as a truly remarkable wine. I was also thoroughly impressed by Unanimous Pago de San Vicente, Bancales del Sardal and Vera Vides. These wines offered a lighter yet full-flavoured side of Ribera del Duero that felt refreshingly distinct from the region’s traditional style. Their nuanced, more delicate profiles revealed an elegance and vibrancy I had not encountered before from Ribera, showcasing the diversity and innovation emerging from this region. These are an untapped opportunity for an enterprising importer.
You can dig deeper into the region with Tim Atkin’s 2024 Ribera del Duero Special Report. Featuring 374 tasting notes, this comprehensive 115-page guide offers an in-depth exploration of the region’s history, terroir, the impact of climate change, and an analysis of recent vintages.
