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PREMIUM

Ribera del Duero: Panel tasting results

With its full-bodied, sometimes formidable reds, stylistic shifts are clearly working wonders for Ribera del Duero, with a high proportion of Outstandings and 90-plus point wines among a relatively small field.

Beth Willard, David Williams and Diana Rollan tasted 59 wines, with 6 Outstanding and 20 Highly recommended.

Ribera del Duero: Panel tasting scores

59 wines tasted

Exceptional 0

Outstanding 6

Highly recommended 20

Recommended 32

Commended 1

Fair 0

Poor 0


Entry criteria: producers and UK agents were invited to submit their current-release, 100% Tempranillo (Tinta del País/Tinto Fino) premium red wines retailing at £15 and above in the UK 


It was one of those days that ended with blackened teeth, beaten-up gums and tongues tied up with tannin. Welcome to Ribera del Duero! But rarely had any of us undertaken a panel tasting of such exceptionally high quality and consistency. The wines were representative of an appellation which now sits with ease alongside the other great winemaking regions of the world.


Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores from the Ribera del Duero panel tasting



Ribera del Duero panel tasting scores

Wines were tasted blind


The judges

Beth Willard is involved in sourcing wines for both the on- and off-trade in the UK, with a particular focus on Eastern Europe and Spain. Formerly buying manager at Direct Wines, she is a member of Spain’s Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino, and from 2024 is our new fifth DWWA Co-Chair.

David Williams is wine correspondent for The Observer, a regular contributor to Decanter on all things Spanish, and a widely published wine writer, author and competition judge.

Diana Rollan is group head of beverage for D&D London restaurants group. A DWWA judge for Spain, she formerly managed training and wine buying at Hakkasan Group as its UK head of wine.


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