Ribera del Duero has no shortage of heavy hitters, but few wines genuinely earn a place beside Vega Sicilia, Pingus, and Dominio del Águila. The 2019 Bodegas Áster “Finca El Otero” does—and it’s no coincidence, because the estate is the Ribera outpost of La Rioja Alta, the legendary Rioja house behind some of Spain’s most iconic wines. Sourced from the estate’s oldest single parcel in Anguix, this old‑vine Tempranillo is La Rioja Alta’s masterstroke in Ribera—a wine of pedigree, purity, and depth that delivers First Growth quality without the First Growth price. In fact, Tim Atkin MW placed Finca El Otero in his “First Growth” tier in the 2022 Ribera classification, calling it one of the region’s very best wines. For collectors, this is the smart play: the same elite terroir expression as the icons, at a fraction of their cost.

While Rioja may be the world’s most widely recognized Spanish region for Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero is where the grape reaches its most structured, powerful, and age‑worthy form. High‑altitude vineyards, dramatic day‑night temperature swings, and rocky clay‑limestone soils create an expression that mirrors the architecture of top‑growth Bordeaux—angular tannins, deep fruit, and decades of aging potential. It’s this combination of power and freshness that drew La Rioja Alta to Ribera in the first place. After years of searching, they purchased the old Finca El Otero parcel in 1993 and spent nearly a decade studying the site before launching Bodegas Áster in 2000. Centenary houses don’t rush greatness, and this wine is proof.

The 2019 Finca El Otero is the estate’s flagship and the most complete expression of their Ribera vision. Crafted entirely from old‑vine Tempranillo and aged 16 months in French oak barriques, it unfurls with layers of blackberry, black cherry, cedar, fennel, and warm spice, all framed by fine‑grained tannins and a chiselled, energetic finish. Tim Atkin’s 97‑point review captures it perfectly: “Wonderfully floral and engaging… a Tinto Fino which now ranks among the region’s very best wines.” This is Ribera at its most majestic—muscular yet refined, powerful yet lifted.

For SommSelect collectors, this is a bottle that overdelivers in every direction. It offers the gravitas and longevity of Spain’s most coveted wines while remaining accessible enough to enjoy now with a decant. Pair it with lamb shank, Iberico pork, or aged Manchego and watch it soar. As prices for Ribera’s top names continue to climb into the stratosphere, Finca El Otero stands out as the insider’s choice—a benchmark Tempranillo that speaks of place, heritage, and the extraordinary heights Ribera del Duero can achieve.

Critical Acclaim:

Tim Atkins, Master of Wine 97 points: 

• “For my money, this is the best release yet of Finca El Otero, a Tinto Fino which now ranks among the region's very best wines. Wonderfully floral and engaging, with stylish oak and fine-grained tannins, flavours of green herbs, fennel, blackberry and oregano, some stony reduction and a tangy, chiselled finish. A superb effort from the La Rioja Alta team.”