Alion, Ribera del Duero 2001

Deep red/purple.

Earth, smoke, truffle (like Chard truffle/sulfide), almond aromatics. Subtle compared to the Condado. A late fig note.

Lighter and more refined in the mouth than the Condado. Middle-weight throughout, quite even in flow on the palate. This, too, is dominated by strong acidity and moderate tannin. Serious front-teeth constriction. No problem sitting on a bottle for another 5-7 years.

$45 on release