Ribera benefited from regular seasons and a very cold winter in 2018, according to Xavier Ausàs, which is why he's such a fan of the vintage. This is the third release of this excellent, pan-Rioja blend from Vega Sicilia's long-term former winemaker and is his best yet. Combining Tinto Fino grapes from five villages between 780 and 900m, it's a subtle, refined red that carries its 15% alcohol with ease, showing chalky minerality, scented 35% new wood, tobacco and red berry fruit flavours and a long, stylish, lightly balsamic finish. Drinking Window 2022 - 2028.

He only produces one wine, of which I tasted the 2018 Interpretación, a classical, ripe and generously oaked Tinto Fino for the long haul. It was produced the same way as in previous years—fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in 225- and 500-liter oak barrels, 35% of them new, for 16 months. It's a combination of power and elegance, ripeness and balance, still very young with marked oak and plenty of tannins. It's full-bodied with deep, ripe flavors and a dry finish. 34,563 bottles, 495 magnums and some larger formats were filled in June 2020.