The Ebano Estate
Over the past few years Adegas Valminor (D.O. Rías Baixas) has been putting together a D.O. Ribera del Duero, initiative which began with the acquisition of prime vineyards in the area around Quintana del Pidio and Gumiel del Mercado. After extensive work on the vineyards and the construction of the necessary facilities, the first Ebano (crianza 2001) was produced. In Spanish, the word ébano means ebony, the hard black wood used in making musical instruments such as clarinets. The name evokes the deep dark color of the wine.
The Ebano Vineyards
The holdings amount to a total of 43 hectares (106 acres), separated in 7 different parcels. The vines are 100% Tempranillo. The older plantings (23 years) are pruned in the traditional goblet or head-trained fashion. Later plantings are trained on wires and are some 15 years old. The soils in the area are generally a mix of sand/gravel and clay/limestone.
No products found
Hailing from the newly established West Sonoma Coast AVA, this inaugural release displays deep ruby in tint with Bing cherry, wild mountain berry, and an ethereal note of damp earth. Vibrant red and blue fruits dance on the palate, accompanied by oyster shell and a stony tension in character with its coastal influences. A silky texture and uplifted acidity add a sophistication and intensity to this wine, as well as a remarkably long finish.
Review:
The 2021 Pinot Noir (West Sonoma Coast), a new wine in this range, is lights out. Rich, ample and bold, the 2021 races across palate with layers of purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol, licorice and spice. A dollop of stems adds nuance, but without dominating the overall balance. There's terrific acidity and structure to play off the natural fruit richness that is such a distinctive attribute of the best sites in the appellation.
-Vinous 96 Points
Bastgen Kestener Paulinshofberg Riesling Spatlese is 100 percent Riesling.
Yellow color with green highlights.
Beautiful peach aromas on the nose, rich and ripe fruits on the mouth with a refreshing acidity and honey notes. A very pleasing wine.
They meticulously tend 4.5 ha (11.11 acres) of which 80% is Riesling. The soil is made of slate. Their vineyards are located in Kesten and Brauneberg, on a steep terrace, and planted to 50-year old vines. Fortunately for Bastgen, they own part of the famous Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr. The vines produce very small, ripe berries that are very tasty.