Francisco Barona Ribera del Duero 2023 (750ml) *
Product price
Description
Old vines do something younger plantings cannot, and this Ribera del Duero leans entirely on that advantage. Francisco Barona draws from estate parcels planted across the first half of the twentieth century, a field blend led by Tempranillo with a little Garnacha and white Albillo Mayor mixed in. The 2023 fermented in barrel and spent fourteen months in new French oak, and the limestone soils lend it acidity and tension rather than sheer weight. It lands medium-bodied, concentrated but poised.
Expect smoky dark fruit and black forest character wrapped in toasty, licorice-edged aromas, with cacao nib, a savory meaty note, and wild garrigue herbs adding layers underneath. The fruit concentration is robust but stays in balance, carried by a fleshy mid-palate and tannins that have already smoothed out. The texture is fluid and the finish long and persistent. It drinks beautifully now and has the framework to hold and develop over the next decade and more.
Product Details
| Category | Wine |
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Castilla y Leon |
| Subregion | Ribera del Duero |
| Varietal | Tempranillo |
| Producer | Francisco Barona |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Size | 750 ML |
| Subtype | Still |
Expert Reviews
From a field blend of estate centenary vineyards planted between 1908 and 1948 to mostly Tempranillo, with some Garnacha and Albillo Mayor, the 2023 spent 14 months in new French oak after fermenting in barrel. Medium-bodied, the limestone soils give it acidity and tension, a concentrated framework around which smoky dark fruit, cacao nib, meat, and garrigue build depth and layers of intensity. This is drinking incredibly now but should be beyond amazing for a solid 10-15 years, if not more. A fantastic entry into Francisco Barona’s canon, it’s an inspiring testament to the power of old vines under the right care. (Jeb Dunnuck, July 2025)
Liquorice and black forest fruit combined with toasty, smoky aromas. Robust fruit concentration, which is very well balanced by the fleshy mid-palate and smooth tannins. Fluid texture, with a long length and persistence of flavour. (Decanter, June 2025)
The 2023 Francisco Barona Blanco from Ribera del Duero was fermented and aged on its lees in oak without intervention. Oak leads the nose, followed by herbal notes of pennyroyal and fennel, with a hint of lime and green apple. The palate is creamy and textured, showing a subtle chalky touch and flavors of white fruit. It offers good energy and presence. (Vinous)