The 2019 Dominio del Aguila Ribera del Duero Reserva is a proprietary blend red wine from Spain's Ribera del Duero region. This wine, produced by Dominio del Aguila, is notable for its composition, which includes 95% Tempranillo and 5% other varietals sourced from some of the oldest vineyards in the village of La Aguilera.
The wine was produced in a year characterized by warm, dry conditions, similar to the 2015 vintage. This low-yielding year has resulted in a concentrated and expressive wine. The 2019 Reserva underwent fermentation in concrete with indigenous yeasts and a slow malolactic fermentation in mostly used 228-liter French oak barrels. The maturation process lasted 35 months, culminating in the bottling of 23,875 bottles and 430 magnums in September 2022.
The wine's appearance is garnet in hue, and it presents a complex nose of red fruits, herbs, dried flowers, plums, and cherries. On the palate, it is lean and relatively juicy, offering a chalky texture that lingers, leading to a ripe, flavorful finish. The wine's balance of richness and compact mouthfeel provides a contrasting yet harmonious tasting experience.
Vinous awarded the 2019 Reserva a score of 94, noting, "The focused palate is lean and relatively juicy, with a lingering chalky texture leading to a ripe, flavorful finish." The review suggests that this wine is best enjoyed between 2025 and 2035.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave an even higher score of 96, describing the wine as "a round, lush and approachable Reserva that is perfumed and fruit-driven, with spices in the background." The review highlights the excellent integration of oak and the pronounced tannic structure, suggesting that this cuvée is a modern interpretation of the 2015 vintage.
Overall, the 2019 Dominio del Aguila Ribera del Duero Reserva is a well-crafted, highly-rated wine that showcases the quality and complexity of this renowned Spanish wine region.