I was also pleasantly surprised by the 2015 Nebro, a wine that in the past was not easy to understand with its ripeness, concentration and hefty dose of new oak. It comes from vines planted in 1920 that fermented in an open-top oak vat with indigenous yeasts and matured in second use Darnajou barrels for 18 months, a longer élevage than in previous years. I think it's quite a change from previous vintages, and even in a year like 2015, which was warm and dry, it managed to keep its poise; it felt young and lively, and even though there are plenty of grainy tannins, they seem gentler than before. I look forward to future vintages of this bottling... 1,099 bottles and 100 magnums were filled in July 2017.

Plum and currant flavors mingle with cola and orange peel notes in this chewy red. Muscular tannins and citrusy acidity give this an angular structure. Solid, and a bit rustic. Drink now through 2024. 108 cases made, 10 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add

The exclusive 2013 Nebro is a luxury cuvée of Tempranillo from a plot of very old, organically farmed Tempranillo in the zone of Olmedillo. It matured in some of the best French barrels money can buy for some 15 months. The cooler vintage seems to have taken the élevage in a softer way than the 2011 I tasted last time, especially in the nose, where the wine felt quite aromatic and open. The palate is medium-bodied with abundant dusty, fine-grained tannins that leave a drying sensation. It should be better enjoyed with food and I'm sure time in bottle will also help to polish some of the edges. 3,000 bottles and 100 magnums were filled in May 2016.

Tar, licorice and leather notes frame plum and dried fig flavors in this firm red. Solid tannins and orange peel acidity give this a traditional, slightly rustic character. Drink now through 2023. 91 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add

I was disappointed with the 2011 Nebro because of the high expectations I had of this single-vineyard wine produced from an 80-year-old plot of Tempranillo in the zone of Olmedillo. I found the 100% new Darnajou barrels (where malolactic also took place) taking the leading role over the fruit and the terroir. It has very good concentration, balance and fruit, so it should come into grace with some more time in bottle. A powerful, XXL Ribera with marked lactic aromas and flavors. Drink 2015-2021. Finca Villacreces, one of the pioneers of the new Ribera del Duero, was purchased in 2003 by the Grupo Artevino, also owner of Bodegas Izadi and Orben (Rioja), and Vetus (Toro). The wines are concentrated and well-oaked, quite end of the 1990s-style. Importer: Eric Solomon Selections, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565, www.europeancellars.com