"(aged in 60% American and 40% French oak for four months): Bright purple. Dark berries, violet and peppery spices on the pungent nose. Fleshy blackberry and cherry compote flavors show good energy and focus, with a hint of cola coming up with air. Silky tannins add grip to the finish, with the blackberry and floral notes strongly echoing. - JR"
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (September 2013), 90 pts
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (September/October 2014), 90 pts
"This is a very fruit-driven wine, aged four months in 100% French oak. Savory and generous, this dark ruby/purple wine shows loads of blackcurrant, forest floor and underbrush in a lush, soft style. Drink it over the next 2-3 years."
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (March 2016), 87 pts - Excellent Wine Values for Under $25
"Saturated ruby. Black fruit compote, cola and peppery spices on the perfumed nose, with notes of incense and licorice pastille adding complexity. Deep, sappy and broad on the palate, offering flavors of black and blue fruit liqueur that pick up a spicy element with aeration. Gains energy in the glass, finishing with lingering notes of candied dark berries and slow-building, harmonious tannins - Josh Raynolds."
- Vinous (December 2015), 90 pts
"Damp but stout aromas of concentrated berry fruits are full but not overly expressive, layered or complex. A fleshy, widespread palate follows suit, while this tastes of jammy but generic plum and berry fruits. A full finish spreads out but lacks definition. - MICHAEL SCHACHNER"
- Wine Enthusiast (December 2018, Best of Year 2018 Issue), 88 pts
"Juicy cherry and blackberry fruits, leather, and dried herbs notes emerge from the 2016 Ribera del Duero Roble, a medium-bodied effort has a nicely textured, balanced style on the palate. Made from 100% Tempranillo, it’s not deep or complex, yet has terrific fruit and is certainly a rock-solid, well-made wine. Drink it over the coming 7-8 years."
- Jeb Dunnuck (March 27th 2019), 89 pts
