Tinto Figuero Noble 2005

Tinto Figuero Noble, Viñedos y Bodegas García Figuero, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2005 

Tempranillo grapes used in this wine come from a selection of three vineyards older than 70 years. After being hand-harvested and undergoing cluster selection in the vineyards, the grapes are destemmed and go through gravity-controlled tanks, with two days of cold-skin maceration prior to fermentation. An additional two months of maturation follow, with malolactic fermentation taking place. Egg white clarification. The wine is aged for a maximum of twenty-one months in new barrels (100-percent French oak). It is then aged an additional one year and a half in bottle before leaving the cellar. 

"The opaque purple-colored 2005 Noble is 100% Tempranillo sourced from vines over 70 years of age. It was aged for 15 months in American oak followed by six months in French oak. The nose gives up an aromatic array of pain grille, pencil lead, spice box, incense, and blackberry. Full-bodied on the palate, it has outstanding depth, layers of succulent black fruit, and enough structure to evolve for 4-6 years. This lengthy effort will be at its best from 2014 to 2030. " 93/100 Jay S Miller Robert Parker Wine Advocate