2016 Aster Finca El Otero, Rioja

A silky, polished red with blackberry and plum character. Flowers, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with creamy tannins and a pleasing finish. Nice structure to this. Another couple of years in bottle will mellow this.

93 points jamessuckling.com

Clean, intense, ruby-red with a garnet rim. Intense aromas, with notes of currants and black cherries, stewed prunes, white pepper, liquorice and fennel; underscored by hints of pastry, ground coffee beans and cedar. Very full in the mouth, with ample freshness thanks to a good balance between acidity and volume, elegant tannins and a powerful yet friendly mouthfeel. Big finish, with outstanding notes of peppercorns, cedar, dark fruit and forest floor. To enjoy now but with great laying-down potential.

A powerful and elegant Ribera del Duero to enhance red meat dishes, roast lamb and aged cheeses.