Grapes: 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo)
Vintage: 2005
Color: Red
Produced from 50-60 year old vines grown in the clay/limestone soils of the village of La Horra which are farmed with a specific intent to produce low yields of ripe, healthy grapes. Yields are below 20 hectoliters/hectare. Destemmed berries were fermented for 14 days prior to pressing in a small capacity, gentle, vertical basket press. Aged 15 months in 80% French and 20% American oak barrels. Bottled October 2007 without filtration or clarification.
Spicy oak in the aromas and palate, black berry, licorice/
anise, and chocolate in the finish. Nicely complex. Worthy of any fine cellar. Included in the list of nine Riberas you should know from the article: Spain’s Ribera del Duero zone is a reference point for Tempranillo-based Wines
The Wine Advocate
95
The 2005 Neo is a powerful wine with a brooding bouquet of balsam wood, Asian spices, incense, and blackberry. Structured for the long haul and very rich, this impeccably balanced offering will evolve for 6-8 years and offer a drinking window extending from 2016 to 2030. Issue 189, June 2010
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
92
Saturated red color. Strikingly aromatic nose offers an exotic bouquet of red and dark berries, violet, vanilla and sandalwood. Broad and deep, with sweet raspberry and blueberry flavors, velvety texture and gentle mineral snap on the back end. Nicely combines richness and energy, finishing with lingering sweetness. Suave and delicious right now. Issue 139, July/Aug '08
Wine Spectator
93
This finely chiseled red delivers power with finesse. The solid structure is a smooth platform for focused flavors of cassis, dark chocolate, mineral and smoke. It's oaky now, but there's plenty of fruit for balance. Best after 2009. Issue 339, October 15 '08
San Francisco Chronicle
NA
A group of young friends started this winery, under direction of Isaac Fernandez, who was previously cellar master for Vega Sicilia. Assertive oak tannins in this rather broody wine, which has power, density and balance. The cherry and dark fruit will become more generous with time, but shows a bit of polish even now. Three Stars (Excellent)
October 31, '08 Edition
