Neo 2004, Ribera Del Duero
Deep ruby with brilliance and clarity. Also a strong rim. Dark and red fruit(classic Tempranillo profile) and dried fruit(figs); exotic flowers, wood with sweet spices, nutty and balsamic. On the palate, lovely structure as well as integrated wood and tannins. The taste shimmers with layered fruit, with red cherries, then black plums and prunes are long(over 10 seconds of fruit with strength). Classic spice and liquorice finish; very balanced(power and finesse; fruit and oak); quite rich and dense. This 2004 vintage is most layered and structured vintage we had tasted(2005, 2010, 2011).
A new-waver from Ribera del Duero capable of giving lots of concentration and character, Neo is as good as Alion and even Valbuena 5, Vega Sicilia and Pingu. Also, 2004 is an excellent year. Parker included Neo as a Bordeaux Cru level wine; John Radford as his top Ribera del Duero wines. Scores for this vintage are impressive: PP96, WS96.
Parker writes, "The 2004 Neo, from a better vintage than the 2003, is a more hedonistic effort. It is more expansive aromatically and offers greater complexity on the palate. This opulent wine is full-bodied, layered, and concentrated. Its structure is well-hidden but, make no mistake, this wine should blossom over the next 8-10 years for those with patience and will provide pleasure through 2030."
