Francisco Barona Finca las Duenas Reserva 2021 (750ml) *
Product price
$164.99
Description
A field blend from vines planted in 1928 near Anguix, on calcareous soils, sits at the heart of this Ribera del Duero red from Francisco Barona. Tempranillo forms the core, joined by the natural percentages of Bobal and Albillo Mayor that grow alongside it, in the old style where the vineyard, not the winemaker, decides the recipe. The 2021 Finca las Duenas Reserva was fermented with stems, aged 17 months in new French oak, then given a further two years in bottle before release. Medium-bodied, powerful yet composed, it comes from Castilla y Leon and asks for patience.
The nose opens on graphite, leather and licorice, with dried mountain herbs and floral notes drifting behind. On the palate there is juicy plum and red cherry, roasted pepper, cocoa nib, and a saline licorice edge, plus flickers of tomato leaf and bergamot that add depth. The tannins are dusty and finely drawn, the oak fully absorbed into the fruit, and a mineral freshness runs the length of a long finish. This has the structure and integration to reward decades of cellaring.
Product Details
| Category | Wine |
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Castilla y Leon |
| Subregion | Ribera del Duero |
| Varietal | Tempranillo |
| Producer | Francisco Barona |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 750 ML |
| Subtype | Still |
Expert Reviews
From a 1928-planted field blend near Anguix in calcareous soils, the 2021 Finca las Duenas Reserva pays homage to the past, combining a core of Tempranillo with natural percentages of Bobal and Albillo Mayor. Dusty tannins ride along a sultry layering of spicy red fruit and floral aromatics, the medium-bodied palate powerful yet elegant. Given 17 months in new French oak, it spent another two years in bottle. This is a deeply beautiful and beguiling wine that will continue to age with grace 20-30 years. These are among the best wines of the appellation. (Jeb Dunnuck, July 2025)
Such an alluring nose of graphite, leather and liquorice, with fragrant mountain herbs in the background. The palate follows with juicy plum, red cherry and roasted peppers topped with cocoa nibs and salty liquorice. Tomato leaf and Earl Grey add intrigue and depth. Vibrant, with a finely-honed structure and superb integration of wood, tannins and alcohol. The mineral freshness carries it through to the long finish. (Decanter, June 2025)
The 2021 Las Dueñas originates from an old vineyard in Roa and is a blend of Tempranillo, Bobal, Albillo and other local grape varieties. Fermented with stems, it was aged for up to a year in barrels. A dark garnet-red in color. The dark fruit-inflected nose also offers wild herbs and blackberry over an oak-infused backdrop. The dry and juicy palate shows a taut, chalky texture. Subtly wild flavors enrich this long-lasting, potent red. (Vinous, November 2023)