Wine Advisor
Dominio del Aguila, Peñas Aladas Gran Reserva 2018
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez
They didn't produce the 2017 vintage of the single-vineyard wine from some of their oldest vines, so after the 2016 they jumped to the 2018 Peñas Aladas Gran Reserva. It has a very intense nose of licorice, flowers (decayed violets), wet chalk, spices (nutmeg), some nuts (pecan) and a volatile twist with great freshness. It matured in French oak barrels for 53 months. It has a fine thread, a chalky and dry feeling, fine tannins and a dry and very tasty finish that's almost salty. It has all the components and the balance with them to develop nicely in bottle. It should age effortlessly for 30 years. It's very impressive, but it doesn't reach the elegance of the 2016. 1,729 bottles and 42 magnums produced. It was bottled in March 2023.
Reviewed by: Joaquín Hidalgo
The 2018 Peñas Aladas Gran Reserva is 95% Tempranillo with other varieties from La Aguilera, Ribera del Duero. It was aged 53 months in mostly French oak barrels. Intense aromas of plum, blackberry, violet, lavender and a hint of volatile acidity enhance expression. The palate is dry, medium-bodied and flavorful, with blackberry and chalky tannins. Compared to the more delicate 2016, this is a richer, more sun-kissed wine with added volume and energy.
About the Producer
Dominio del Águila is a family-owned winery located in La Aguilera, within the Ribera del Duero region of Spain. Founded in 2010 by Jorge Monzón and Isabel Rodero, the winery is known for its commitment to organic farming and traditional winemaking practices. The estate boasts vineyards with vines over 50 years old, primarily cultivating Tempranillo, along with lesser-known varieties like Bobal, Garnacha, and Albillo. The winery employs artisanal techniques, including foot-treading grapes and malolactic fermentation in oak barrels, with minimal intervention. Wines are aged in high-quality French oak barrels, allowing for complexity and depth. Dominio del Águila produces a range of wines, including their flagship "Dominio del Águila" Reserva, which is celebrated for its purity and aging potential.
