Neo 2011 , Rivera del Duero
Deep ruby with a medium rim. Neo 2011 opens with dark fruits nose supported by mild spicy, vanilla. With delicate, ripe fruit, it has lovely acidity and classy cedar wood embedded in velvety tannins within a very well balanced structure leading to an elegant, persistent ending. Neo 2011 opens from the close and dark side of fruit spectrum. It wins a big crowd should it start with easier and bolder fruit.
There seems to have no reason why this 2011 Neo did not fetch a high score. Thanks, Parker et al. for unintendedly lowering the price of this very good Ribera del Duero from 2011. It is an excellent vintage according to Jancis Robinson, Wine Spectator and Wines from Spain. Hot and heat-stressed for the vines with lower acidity than average but powerful, concentrated wines of good quality. Similarly hot in Ribera del Duero, giving compelling intensity and smooth, soft tannins.
Its ready to drink but, but I would also wait for 30min in the glass.
Like 2005, Neo 2011 s as good as Alion and even Valbuena 5, both from Ribera del Duero. And 2001 is an Excellent year, according to Wines From Spain.
Scores impressive.
RP91. I tasted an uneven collection of wines from Neo, of which my favourite was the 2011 Neo, pure Tempranillo aged for 20 months in oak with a nice balance between fruit, spices and oak-related, smoky aromas. The palate shows good freshness for a vintage like 2011, with some grainy, dusty tannins and moderate acidity.
