The 2015 Telmo Rodriguez Matallana is a notable red wine hailing from the Ribera Del Duero region in Spain. Made primarily from the Tempranillo grape, this vintage is a result of Telmo Rodriguez's dedication to blending different vineyards and villages for a unified and exceptional wine. This approach resembles the traditional methods used by pioneers such as Pesquera, Teófilo Reyes, and Valsotillo.
One of the most compelling endorsements comes from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, which awarded the wine an impressive score of 96+. The review by Luis Gutiérrez, dated July 31, 2020, emphasizes the wine's unique blend and production process. The 2015 vintage saw a lower yield due to rain during flowering, affecting the fruit set. Despite this challenge, the result is a wine that is 85% Tempranillo, with the remaining 15% comprising varieties like Valenciano (Bobal), Navarro (Garnacha), and even the white Albillo.
The wine is produced with organic vineyard practices. The fermentation process utilizes a combination of oak and stainless steel vats with indigenous yeasts. After fermentation, the wine is aged for 14 months in French oak barrels of various ages. According to Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, "It has rusticity and ripeness, character, austerity, nuance, detail, and complexity."
Gutiérrez further describes the wine as medium to full-bodied with a surprising balance. He notes that it is "seamless, harmonious, and compact, with focused and pure flavors that are velvety and tasty." The review concludes with high praise, stating, "This has to be the finest vintage to date," highlighting the wine's exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
In summary, the 2015 Telmo Rodriguez Matallana is a meticulously crafted Tempranillo that stands out for its traditional blending techniques and organic vineyard management. With a robust score of 96+ from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, it is a wine that offers both complexity and balance, making it a noteworthy choice for enthusiasts of Spanish wines.