2018 Arano Moradillo de Roa Ribera del Duero Crianza is sold out.

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Suckling: "So persistent and beautiful at the finish"

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  • 95 pts James Suckling
    95 pts JS
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2018 Arano Moradillo de Roa Ribera del Duero Crianza 750 ml

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  • Curated by unrivaled experts
  • Choose your delivery date
  • Temperature controlled shipping options
  • Get credited back if a wine fails to impress

Cune Elegance Meets Ribera del Duero Brawn

For 138 years, the legendary 100-point estate Cune has been synonymous with Rioja. Famous for their elegant expressions of Tempranillo, they were the first Spanish estate to land the #1 spot on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list.

When the historic house announced that it would be acquiring vineyards in Ribera del Duero, Spanish-wine watchers wondered: Could they replicate their success on the rugged plateau to the southwest?

The 2018 Arano Moradillo de Roa Crianza, celebrated to the tune of 95 points, answers that question with a resounding YES. “Full-bodied with exquisitely refined tannins that are polished like silk,” raved James Suckling. “It’s so persistent and beautiful at the finish. Wonderfully crafted.”

For over a century, Cune has been among the chief interpreters of the Rioja style, teasing out bright, dry expressions of Tempranillo from their vineyards in Rioja Alta’s maritime-influenced continental climate and thin soils. It’s a whole different ball game in Ribera del Duero, a high-mountain plain where altitudes can reach 3600 feet above sea level. Extreme temperature fluctuation—bitter winters, sweltering summers—and the hearty terroir lead to robust, earthy, and powerful Tempranillos.      

The 2018 Moradillo de Roa shows how a bridge can be formed between the two main Spanish schools of Tempranillo with exquisite grace. Drawn off five plots from nine hectares of Arano’s vineyards, it’s aged in barrel for 15 months, achieving a perfect balance of oak and fruit, setting up this 95-pointer for a long cellar rest as well as immediate, plush drinkability today.

While Cune is associated with Rioja, it has always seen itself as an ambassador of Spain at large. This wine backs that up, capturing different sides of Tempranillo’s soul.