Milagros de Figuero 2020

Milagros de Figuero comes from the family bodega Viñedos y Bodegas García Figuero in La Horra, in the heart of Ribera del Duero. The fruit is a selection from old Tempranillo vines aged over 60 years, planted around 802 metres above sea level on the continental plateau of Burgos. At that altitude the wide swing between hot days and cold nights slows ripening and holds acidity, so the grapes reach full phenolic maturity while keeping freshness and colour. The wine ages 15 months in 500-litre French oak barrels. The larger format limits the ratio of wood to wine, so oxygen exchange softens the tannin and adds spice and structure without burying the fruit. It pours deep ruby with a violet rim. The nose is ripe blackberry and plum with cocoa, sweet spice and a graphite edge from the chalky soils. The palate is full and structured, with dense black fruit, firm but ripe tannin and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and aged hard cheese.