2004 Alonso del Yerro
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Tasting notes
The 2004 Alonso del Yerro gives up a brooding bouquet of pain grille, mineral, Asian spices, incense, lavender, and black cherry. Dense, packed, and intensely flavored, it will evolve for 6-8 years and drink well through 2029. The current owners purchased this estate in 2002 and hired Stephane Derenoncourt of Bordeaux renown as consultant. The Alonso del Yerro cuvee, made from 100% Tempranillo, typically goes through ML in barrel followed by 12 months sur lie with batonnage in new French oak. The Maria cuvee (also 100% Tempranillo) is fermented in new oak vats, goes through a longer maceration than the Alonso bottling, and is aged in new French oak for 18 months sur lie with batonnage. As a side note, Vinedos Alonso del Yerro has started a new project in neighboring Toro called Paydos. I tasted barrel samples of the first two vintages, 2008 and 2009. They were both exceptional; the 2009, in particular, due to the virtually perfect vintage conditions in Toro. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Inky violet. Intense spice notes complement aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry and plum. Lush, rich and smooth, with a chewy texture and deep dark fruit flavors. The tannins are plush and sweet, adding to the lush impression and helping to extend the fruit. I suspect this will age well, but it can also be enjoyed now with decanting.
The 2004 Alonso del Yerro is 100% Tempranillo that was aged on its lees for 12 months in French oak prior to bottling. It is a seamless, opulent, voluptuous red boasting a flamboyant perfume of espresso roast, sweet black cherries, creme de cassis, licorice, and new oak. A stunning texture, superb ripeness, low acidity, silky tannin, and a long, heady finish indicate it should drink well for 10-12 years. This superb offering suggests this producer from the somewhat over-crowded Ribera del Duero appellation deserves consumers’ attention. No other than the great French winemaking guru, Stephane Derenoncourt, oversees the viticulture and winemaking at this estate.