WTN:1997 Alejandro Fernandez Ribera Del Duero, Pesquera

1997 Bodegas Alejandro Fernandez Ribera Del Duero Pesquera, Crianza

This was an orphan that I frankly don't remember when, where or why I purchased. I wasn't expecting much, so a back up bottle was pulled just in case this turned out to be OTH or otherwise undrinkable. Boy was I in for a pleasant surprise.

Some bricking gave me initial cause for concern, but that was only momentary. The black raspberryish fruit is still bright and what I found delightful and interesting was a steady pulse of mint/menthol which I don't ever recall having detected in Tempranillo before. Clean, harmonious and balanced...no oak detected and no searing alcohol. Joyful to drink on a summer-like evening in October with a grilled flat iron steak..

Note to self: Drink more Tempranillo.

Bill, how were the aromatics? Lots of previous discussion about Tempranillo here.

Bill, how were the aromatics? Lots of previous discussion about Tempranillo here.

Bob,
The aromatics were fairly muted or perhaps balanced is a better term with some mintiness. No off putting aromas of dirt, pony butt, crap, etc.. Didn't smell like a lumberyard either. A very "clean" (not slick) bottle.
BP