Vinous (94)

Inky ruby. A heady, complex bouquet evokes fresh blueberry, boysenberry, cherry compote and potpourri, with hints of vanilla and cola emerging slowly. Stains the palate with intense, energetic dark fruit preserve and floral pastille flavors. A spine of juicy acidity adds structure and powers a strikingly long, floral finish, which features supple tannins and lingering spiciness.

Vinous (94)

Inky ruby. A heady, complex bouquet evokes fresh blueberry, boysenberry, cherry compote and potpourri, with hints of vanilla and cola emerging slowly. Stains the palate with intense, energetic dark fruit preserve and floral pastille flavors. A spine of juicy acidity adds structure and powers a strikingly long, floral finish, which features supple tannins and lingering spiciness.

Jancis Robinson (18)

This is a very deep and imposing but refined wine, a luxurious version of Ribera del Duero. It has a very ripe and dense style, sweet black fruit and velvety character. Noticeable but well-integrated oak, complex nose showing cacao, Indian ink and sweet spices. It is a very fine wine indeed for those loving dense and impressive wines.

Jancis Robinson (18)

This is a very deep and imposing but refined wine, a luxurious version of Ribera del Duero. It has a very ripe and dense style, sweet black fruit and velvety character. Noticeable but well-integrated oak, complex nose showing cacao, Indian ink and sweet spices. It is a very fine wine indeed for those loving dense and impressive wines.

Unveiling sheer opulence in a glass, the Aalto Ribera del Duero PS 2019 is a fine Spanish offering created under the Aalto winery's esteemed portfolio. Hand-crafted to perfection in Ribera del Duero, Spain's premier wine region, this tantalising Tempranillo illustratively encapsulates the essence of its terroir. Aalto’s laudable commitment to sustained viticulture and manual harvesting techniques sets the stage for the impeccably made Aalto Ribera del Duero PS 2019.

The wine boasts masterful maturation in new fine-grain French oak barrels for 22 months, achieving unparalleled structure, depth and complexity. Flirting on the palate with expressive notes of black fruit, mocha, and a subtle hint of tobacco, this stellar wine harbours impressive aging potential.

Under the expertise of Mariano García, former Vega Sicilia winemaker, the Aalto Ribera del Duero PS 2019 has swiftly emerged as a significant force on the international wine scene. Its intricate tapestry of flavours promises a transcendent tasting experience for the discerning palate.

Immerse yourself in the distinguished taste of Aalto Ribera del Duero PS 2019. Born from the fertile soils of Spain's premium wine region, Ribera del Duero, this wine encapsulates the centuries-old grape cultivating traditions and modern winemaking techniques of reputed producer Mariano Garcia. The blend utilises Tempranillo grapes harvested from vines aged over 60 years and is aged 22 months in new French oak barrels to create its robust profile.

On the palate, Aalto Ribera del Duero PS 2019 impresses with a rich tapestry of flavours ranging from black fruits to nuances of cocoa and spices. Its structured tannins and excellent acidity culminate in a long and thrilling finish, making it a splendid complement to an array of dishes.

Commended by esteemed wine critics, this vibrant yet complex wine delivers a seamless fusion of power and elegance. Experience the ultimate indulgence with Aalto Ribera del Duero PS 2019, a testament to the winemaking prowess of Ribera del Duero.

Wine Advocate (95)

The heady and ripe 2020 PS follows the house style and the profile of the regular Aalto from the same vintage, with slightly higher ripeness, more creaminess and toastier oak. It's predictable and very good at it, with abundant, slightly dusty tannins and some chalkiness in the pungent, intense and oaky finish. It has 15% alcohol and mellow acidity. For fans of oaky and ripe Tempranillo. 35,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in September 2022 after 21 months in new French oak barrels.

Wine Advocate (95)

The heady and ripe 2020 PS follows the house style and the profile of the regular Aalto from the same vintage, with slightly higher ripeness, more creaminess and toastier oak. It's predictable and very good at it, with abundant, slightly dusty tannins and some chalkiness in the pungent, intense and oaky finish. It has 15% alcohol and mellow acidity. For fans of oaky and ripe Tempranillo. 35,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in September 2022 after 21 months in new French oak barrels.

Wine Advocate (95)

The heady and ripe 2020 PS follows the house style and the profile of the regular Aalto from the same vintage, with slightly higher ripeness, more creaminess and toastier oak. It's predictable and very good at it, with abundant, slightly dusty tannins and some chalkiness in the pungent, intense and oaky finish. It has 15% alcohol and mellow acidity. For fans of oaky and ripe Tempranillo. 35,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in September 2022 after 21 months in new French oak barrels.

Hailing from one of Spain's finest wineries, Aalto Ribera del Duero PS 2021 is an exquisite embodiment of masterful winemaking. This elite Tempranillo hails from the region's highest-altitude vineyards, meticulously crafted by the venerable Aalto Bodegas y Viñedos. Originating in Quintanilla de Arriba in Ribera del Duero, it speaks to the superior terroir of its birthplace.

Aalto Ribera del Duero PS 2021 bestows a complex bouquet of black berries, dark chocolate, and tobacco, layered with earthy and spicy tones. It's an alluring narrative of Ribera's classical back vintage, benefiting from two years of judicious maturation in French and American oak barrels, creating a weighty balance between fruit and structure.

Aalto, established in 1999 by Mariano García and Javier Zaccagnini, has evolved into a pillar of the Ribera del Duero's vinous landscape, and their 2021 PS is proof indeed. Experience authentic, premium vinification with this compelling essence of Spanish viticulture.

Hailing from one of Spain's finest wineries, Aalto Ribera del Duero PS 2021 is an exquisite embodiment of masterful winemaking. This elite Tempranillo hails from the region's highest-altitude vineyards, meticulously crafted by the venerable Aalto Bodegas y Viñedos. Originating in Quintanilla de Arriba in Ribera del Duero, it speaks to the superior terroir of its birthplace.

Aalto Ribera del Duero PS 2021 bestows a complex bouquet of black berries, dark chocolate, and tobacco, layered with earthy and spicy tones. It's an alluring narrative of Ribera's classical back vintage, benefiting from two years of judicious maturation in French and American oak barrels, creating a weighty balance between fruit and structure.

Aalto, established in 1999 by Mariano García and Javier Zaccagnini, has evolved into a pillar of the Ribera del Duero's vinous landscape, and their 2021 PS is proof indeed. Experience authentic, premium vinification with this compelling essence of Spanish viticulture.

Wine Advocate (93)

The 100% Tempranillo 1996 Cuvee Campanario represents a blend of the finest parcels of Tempranillo. The wine was aged in 100% new French Limousin oak for 16 months, then bottled without filtration. It reveals a saturated purple color, and is more backward both aromatically and on the palate, as well as more impressive. The wine's bouquet falls in the black fruit spectrum of aromas - blackberries, black raspberries, and overripe cherries. Full-bodied and tightly-knit, with intriguing mineral notes, this powerful, rich, layered wine could easily pass for a top-class Bordeaux in a blind tasting. The result of 28 days of maceration, the high tannin is sweet and well-integrated in the wine's framework. However, I would not recommend drinking this offering for 2-3 more years. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2020. Congratulations are in order for this impressive new winery that is already turning out wines of exceptional quality.

Wine Advocate (93-96)

The 1996 Pago Negralada was to be bottled approximately a month after I tasted it. Made from a single Tempranillo vineyard, planted more than 2100 feet above sea level, the alluvial and clay soil mixture gives the wine a distinctive character. This is unquestionably a spectacular effort, displaying a saturated purple color, and a knock-out blackberry, chocolate, licorice, and earthy-scented nose. Exquisitely balanced, this full-bodied wine is crammed with fruit, yet it does not come across as heavy or overbearing. This wine has benefited from having its malolactic take place in barrel (which tends to integrate the wood into the wine earlier, and, some say, more effectively than when it is done in tank). The layers of fruit are ripe, the wine's purity impeccable, and the overall balance impressive. This stunningly rich, potentially brilliant wine will admirably showcase the heights that Tempranillo can achieve. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2018. Congratulations are in order for this impressive new winery that is already turning out wines of exceptional quality.

Vinous (94)

Bright, dark ruby. Sappy, pungent, superripe aromas of cassis, black cherry, clove, mace and mint. Supersweet and extraordinarily concentrated; expands to take over the mouth. Thick but lively chocolatey fruit is huge but not at all heavy. The utterly suave and ripe tannins spread out to coat the entire palate. Superb persistence of flavor. An extraordinary pure cabernet from Spain. Incidentally, the '97 fruit from these vines was blended into the Cuvee El Palomar from that vintage.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

Deeper, richer and more powerful, the 2014 Cappella incorporates the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the lineup and is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec. It reveals classic minerality and earthiness to go with killer notes of blackberries, toasty oak, licorice, and spice. This seductive, opulent, full-bodied beauty has a stacked mid-palate, a deep, layered texture, ripe tannin, perfect balance, and a huge finish. It still plays in the more forward, sexy style of the vintage (it's actually one of the more drinkable releases today, despite having more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend) yet will keep for two to three decades.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

One rocking wine, the 2015 Cappella is a powerful, rich effort that has badass levels of black, black fruits, graphite, licorice, and crushed rocks. From a site on the west side of St. Helena and a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, and 13% Petit Verdot, it has a layered, multi-dimensional, stacked profile and is just loaded with glycerin and opulence. Feel free to drink this thriller any time over the coming 3 decades or more.

James Suckling (99)

Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and lead pencil. Fresh and dried flowers and iron shavings. Full bodied, layered, tight and solid. Beautiful and very poised and thoughtful. Hints of fresh herbs, from lavender to lemon grass. Compressed. Great length and focus. Drink after 2022.

James Suckling (98)

This is tight and creamy with firm tannins. Extremely long and flavorful red with blackberries and sweet tobacco. Black tea. Dusty and juicy sensation from the tannin. Flavorful finish. Drink in 2022 or later.

Wine Advocate (99)

The nearly perfect—perhaps it will get there in some subsequent tasting—2018 Cappella Proprietary Red seems more balanced and finely structured than the 2016 or 2017 versions, with hints of cedar and vanilla only serving to accent notes of ripe cherries and dusty earth. It's still full-bodied, rich and velvety, yet it shows incredible focus and length on the finish. Wow.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

Coming from a site just outside of St. Helena, the 2019 Cappella is a deep, powerful, yet incredibly elegant Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated release offering lots of red and black fruits, full-bodied richness, incredibly complex notes of leafy herbs, spring flowers, green tobacco, and camphor, ultra-fine tannins, and a great, great finish. Few wines marry this level of richness with such a sense of elegance and purity. As with most 2019s, it already offers pleasure, yet do your best to give bottles 3-5 years. It will have 20-25 years of overall longevity.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)

The 2014 Las Posadas is another impressive wine from David Abreu and winemaker Brad Grimes. Deep, layered and enveloping, the 2014 offers notable resonance that only builds over time. Blue fruits, lavender, mocha, licorice and graphite build in a rich but also relatively soft wine for Howell Mountain. Here, too, the balance is impressive.

James Suckling (99)

The aromas are perfect with black olives, blueberries, fresh mushrooms, rose petals and mint undertones, all following through to a full-bodied palate. Round yet tightly grained tannins and an incredibly persistent finish. Gorgeous. Drink in 2022.

Vinous (100)

The 2016 Las Posadas is a stunning Howell Mountain wine. Inky, rich and hedonistically beautiful, the 2016 is simply magnificent. Crème de cassis, chocolate, menthol, licorice, lavender, cloves, mint, graphite and crushed rocks are all amped up in the glass. Unctuous, creamy and super-expressive, the Posadas captures the opulence of Howell Mountain. It is simply magnificent in every way.