Ribera del Duero,

As with many areas of Europe, Ribera del Duero experienced great heat in the summer of 2003. However, high rainfall in the winter of 2002-2003 and the relatively cool nights found at this altitude (750-800 metres) allowed the vines to grow healthily and the only major change was a harvest that was two weeks earlier than usual. The 2003 Aalto was raised in French oak for 23 months, half new and half one-year old, and bottled unfiltered in February 2006. Rich red berry character with great length, a balanced wine of surprising elegance that will age well for 5-10 years.