- 93 points -

Aromas and flavors of blueberries and black licorice here. Full body. Integrated tannins give the wine form, but don’t impose too much.

- 92 points -

From sandy, chalky soils, (these grapes previously went into Flor de Pingus), the 2017 Pruno is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 12 months in used barrels. It offers loads of blackberries, black raspberries, toasted spice, and hints of oak as well as some graphite in a ripe, concentrated yet pure style. It’s a beautiful wine, developing a touch of minerality with time in the glass, and has both richness and freshness.

- 92 points -

As I've often heard and seen in this vintage, the result of the 2022 Pruno has been much better than expected after a torrid summer and an early harvest. The wine keeps its balance and poise, its fruit-driven personality and the approachability from previous years. It has contained ripeness, 14.05% alcohol, clean aromas and a juicy and velvety texture. Highly drinkable. It's a blend of 94% Tinto Fino, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot.

- 92 points -

Very ripe, bright, black fruits and tar aromas pour from the glass. Big and juicy, but the tannins are stronger than the sweet stuff. Long, clean finish and a lot of potential.

- 92 points -

Grupo Artevino was founded by the Anton Family, who came to wine via the restaurant world. The family owns the Michelin starred Zaldiaran. The first venture in the wine world was Bodegas Izadi in Rioja, and over the next decade they added Villacreces (Ribera del Duero), Vetus (Toro), and Orben (Rioja). The wine is delicious, and one you want to drink to the finish. I’m told the grapes used to go into Flor de Pingus. The blend is 90/10 tempranillo and cabernet sauvignon, with 12 months of oak ageing. There is a sense of fruit purity and minerality here, with noticeable tannins, but it's more dense than grippy. Best with any grilled entrée. Super value.

- 92 points -

The 2019 Pruno has some unusual aromas reminiscent of pine needles, balsamic and faintly herbal with moderate alcohol (they harvested early in this warm year) and with very good balance and harmony. The aromas and flavors are pure and defined, and it's tasty, easy to drink and has very fine tannins. Among the finest Pruno of recent times. 617,338 bottles, 13,059 magnums and 100 double magnums produced. It was bottled in October 2020.

- 91 points -

The heady and grapey 2021 Pruno has seen the Cabernet Sauvignon reduced to 6% of the bottled blend, and it's a powerful and ripe Ribera with 14.3% alcohol and good freshness that makes it come through as juicy and fine-boned, with chalky tannins. There are abundant notes of prunes and very ripe black fruit here. It matured in 225- and 500-liter barrels for one year

- 91 points -

Tight. That’s the first thing that comes to mind when tasting this tense, fresh, vibrant Ribera. Initially, the flavors are ripe and unctuous, but the acidity drives them into retreat, so they finish shyly, letting the freshest voices be heard. This is young, strong and impetuous. It needs time in the cellar.

- 91 points -

Smoky and loamy earth notes frame a core of black cherry and plum in this firm, dense red. Balsamic acidity balances muscular tannins, which yield to a floral, minerally finish.

- 91 points -

A lovely, lively, floral and fruity example of Ribera del Duero here, beautifully balanced and fresh, with plenty of fruit and appropriate, delicate wood influence. I love the zesty, crisp acids and the overall freshness and drinkability. Yet this is no mere simple fruity red - there's real structure and complexity underlying the ensemble. Fine value. - John Szabo, MS

- 91 points -

Smoky and loamy earth notes frame a core of black cherry and plum flavors in this firm, dense and balanced red.

- 90 points -

The 2021 Pruno is a blend of Tempranillo with a 5% dash of Cabernet Sauvignon from Quintanilla de Onésimo, aged for 12 months in oak barrels. Garnet-red with a purplish sheen. The fruit-forward aromas feature plum and cherry along with herbal and oaky layers. The palate is broad and indulgent with reactive, juicy tannins. This is a mild but rewarding Ribera del Duero red.

- 90 points -

A fragrant nose of sour cherry, plum, dried herb and licorice. Medium to full-bodied with creamy tannins. Juicy and chewy with berry character and a firm finish. Hints of jam. Blend of 90% tempranillo and 10% cabernet sauvignon.

- 90 points -

Rich yet lively, this red delivers ripe flavors of boysenberry and black plum, backed by leafy and orange peel notes and a minerally, smoky finish. Ripe tannins are well-integrated and crisp. Fruity acidity keeps this fresh. 

- 90 points -

This is the kind of wine that is making folks flock to Spain. It is so nicely drinkable with New World sensibility yet Spanish elan. It has mild but very pleasant even aromas of ripe berry/plum fruit, vanilla, violets and subtle herbs. It is medium-full bodied, quite smooth and well integrated, with some youthful tannin. Comes together very nicely; with a certain sense of comfort.

- 90 points -

Value Big Reds

Rich yet lively, this red delivers ripe flavors of boysenberry and black plum, with leafy and orange peel notes.

- 90 points -

Red Plum and boysenberry flavors are ripe and juicy in this plump red. Notes of tar and mineral impart a savory aspect, while firm tannins and orange peel acidity lend focus.

- 90 points -

Red cherries, raspberries, coffee and spices on the nose, following through to a juicy, medium-bodied palate with sappy red-berry fruit and tight tannins. A crunchy expression of Ribera del Duero. 90% tempranillo and 10% cabernet sauvignon. 

- 90 points -

Huge blueberry character, but also huge, dry tannins. On the finish, however, this tug of war resolves itself to a surprising degree and the final impression is of freshness. Drink or hold.

93+ Points

Having the 2019 to taste next to the 2020 Finca Villacreces reveals how the quality of the 2020 tannins are more elegant, and the wine comes through as finer-boned and fresher too, with power, concentration and structure. It was produced with 90% Tempranillo, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot and has 14.1% alcohol and very good freshness. It fermented in raw concrete vats and 10,000-liter oak vats and matured in 225- and 500-liter French oak barrels, with a few more months in foudre and oak vat to complete 15 months, which seem to have given a sleeker and more polished wine with a gentler mouthfeel. 40,500 bottles and 525 magnums produced. It was bottled in May 2022.

100 Top Value Wines 2018

Smoky and loamy earth notes frame a core of black cherry and plum flavors in this firm, dense and balanced red.