Áster Finca El Otero 2016

Included in last year's Top 100, but with a higher score in 2020 after an extra year in bottle, Finca El Otero is the top wine from the La Rioja Alta-owned Áster. Made with grapes grown on clay and limestone soils in Anguix, it reflects the vivacity of an Atlantic year, with stylishly integrated new French oak, good structure and depth, mocha, plum, and blackberry fruit and surprising freshness for a wine with nearly 15.3% alcohol. 2023-31

A silky, polished red with blackberry and plum character. Flowers, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with creamy tannins and a pleasing finish. Nice structure to this. Another couple of years in bottle will mellow this.

This is an excellent generously oaked Ribera from a benchmark year. The nose leads with vanilla, toast, coconut and blackberry aromas. That's backed by a lively palate with popping acidity. Blackberry, cassis and mocha flavors conclude on a sinewy finish. This is almost ready now; best through 2028. Michael Schachner

Rich ruby colour with purple reflections. Candied orange zest, fresh black cherry, dark berry, suble notes of wood with a touch of Minerality. Elegant, powerful, vivid, dark fruit, spicy, rich tannin, dark nougat and distinct nuances of wood on the finish, showing great length. Would benefit from further bottle ageing.