Abadia Retuerta is located just outside the DO of Ribera del Duero. It was once part of the Vega Sicilia estate and was revived when a Swiss pharmaceutical company purchased the land in 1991. They own 210 hectares of vineyard dispersed over 54 plots interpolated with pine forest, and the wines are vinified in a state-of-the-art winery. The premium wines spend 14 to 18 months in French and American oak (64% and 36% respectively).
Issue 255 End of June 2021, The Wine Advocate | 30th Jun 2021 | Luis Gutiérrez
2017 and 2018 were very different years in the Duero, but at Abadía Retuerta, the killer frost from 2017 barely touched the vines. The 2017 Selección Especial is concentrated from the low yields and ripe from the warm cycle. It's a blend of 75% Tempranillo, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Syrah and 3% Merlot that matured for 12 months in barrels, one-third new. It's ripe and creamy and has an extroverted personality. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with a juicy texture and fine, chalky tannins.