Rolland & Galarreta Ribera de Duero 750ml

Coming from vineyards located in the central Rioja area known as Alavasa, this is a joint project of the Galarreta of Javier Galarreta and the famous globe-trotting, winemaking consultant Michel Rolland. As one might expect, the result, the 2010 Rioja, is a dense ruby/plum/purple-colored wine with sweet notes of unsmoked cigar tobacco, red and blackcurrants, cherries, spice box and a touch of lead pencil shavings, velvety tannins, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long, savory, expansive finish. This terrific Rioja sells at a very attractive price. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.

Robert M. Parker, Jr., eRobertParker.com #Special Interim Issue, Nov 2014. 91 points.