Spicy laden nose with aromas of red liquorice, anise, ripe blackberries and attractive floral undertones. Plump and fruity palate. <br> Silver Medal 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards

Rich but fresh blackberry fruit with notes of fine roasted spices, chocolate, tar and pepper. Densely packed on the palate, with powerful but fine-grained tannins. This is long and youthful.

'Top 100' Tim Atkin Ribera del Duero 2024 Special Report

The 2021 Protos Crianza is 100% Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero. It was aged 12 months, with 33% in new French oak and the remainder in American and French oak over one year old. Garnet in hue, it opens with cherry, thyme and subtle liqueur and floral notes, including lavender, contrasted with blackberry and well-integrated oak. The palate is dry, with fine, firm tannins and a creamy, juicy feel. The balanced vintage adds a distinctive lift.

A perfume of lavender and violets is framed by dark berries and present, but not overpowering, vanilla notes. The palate is juicy, with noticeable tannins; though most notable is the segue from nose to palate, for the two exist as harmonious counterparts. Surely, there is still room to grow here, however, an underlying delicacy is already apparent.