Located at the eastern edge of the Ribera del Duero appellation, the town of Atauta is situated above a remote canyon planted with ancient, ungrafted, pre-Phylloxera Tempranillo vines ranging up to 120 years old. Here the vines grow east and well above the altitudes of most Ribera del Duero vineyards, with the cooler nights lending the wines a distinctive freshness and purity of fruit. Grown according to biodynamic principles using no chemicals or fertilizers, the wines of Atauta are fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged in one-year-old barrels primarily purchased from Chateau Angelus in St Emilion. The winemaker here is the talented young Frenchman, Bertrand Sourdais who has previously worked with Ch Mouton Rothschild and Leoville las Cases in Bordeaux, as well as Alvario Palacios in Priorat.

Ribera del Duero
2001 $29.99 limited

Ribera del Duero Valdegatiles
100% Tempranillo from 150 year old vines. Cropped below 20 ha/hl and aged in 100% new French Darnajou barrels. 120 cases produced.
2000 sold out
"A spectacular 120 case cuvee produced from 155 year old vines aged in 100% new French Darnajou barrels, this is a super expressive Spanish red offering a gorgeously deep purple color as well as a rich nose of creosote, espresso roast, graphite, blackberries and creme de cassis. Rich, full bodied and unctuously textured, with fabulous flavor intensity and overall balance as well as a long, concentrated , seamless personality, it can be enjoyed now and over the next 10-12 years." 95 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #152
"Full ruby. Superripe, somewhat port-like aromas of roasted raspberry, licorice and charry oak. Velvety, lush, seamless and superripe, with great palate coverage. This would be hugely sweet even without the influence of 100% new Darnajou barrels, and yet there's a subtlety here as well. Finishes with big, broad but fine tannins that dust the mouth." 92 Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 7/8-03