2018 Vivaltus
$89.89 / 750ml (Pre-Arrival) Buy Now
98 TA / 96 VM / 95+ WA / 95 JA
The maiden 2016 vintage has only just been released through the Place de Bordeaux, so it may be a little premature to review this 2018, but make sure you remind yourself to buy a case in two years' time. Produced without Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time, it's the polar opposite of the big, ripe, overwooded styles of Ribera. Nuanced, refined and hauntingly balanced, with perfumed oak, lovely texture and balance, leafy, graphite-like complexity and the length of a world-class wine. 2023-35. - Tim Atkins
The 2018 Vivaltus is a Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero. Garnet-red in the glass. The nuanced nose presents sour cherry, fresh plum and wild herbs framed by a cedar box. The palate is dry and nimble, with polished, reactive tannins that are young right now but will grow more velvety to complement the energy and juice. This is an enticingly indulgent wine for consumers looking for elegance that ends with a thyme and bay leaf flourish. The 2018 is a new approach for Ribera del Duero. - JH, Vinous Media
The wine is elegant, subtle and insinuating, yet to develop the perfume and exuberance the 2016 has in the nose. It has a leafy twist that gives it freshness, and it has velvety tannins,great balance and elegance. It has the ingredients and the balance between them to develop nicely in bottle, but seeing how the 2016 is singing today, it would be a shame to pull the cork from the 2018. - Luis Gutiérez, Wine Advocate
