Bodegas Áster Áster Crianza 2021 750ml

A lovely brightness and juiciness to this with cherry, spice, and crushed stone. Some tar. Medium-bodied with chewy tannins that have a dusty undertone. Tannic and typical for Duero. Already attractive if you like tannins, but this will soften nicely with two or three more years of bottle age. Try after 2025.

The 2021 Reserva Áster is a more classical Ribera del Duero, showing slightly elevated ripeness. It was aged for 14 months in barrel and is deep garnet in color, with balsamic notes of underbrush and black fruit. The nose is intense, with a hint of sunshine countered by the oak. Juicy and refined on the palate, it offers just the right freshness. Volume and tannins are gentle. A touch of light chalk lingers on the finish.

Toasty mocha and smoke accent the plum cake, plumped black cherry and grilled herb flavors in this fresh, medium- to full-bodied red. The finish is firmed by fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2031.

Hints of tarry smoke and tobacco offer a subtle, savory underpinning for the focused notes of black cherry and mulberry fruit on display in this lively, medium- to full-bodied red. Lightly chewy, with spice box and vanilla accents on the finish. Drink now through 2030. 10,000 cases made, 1,500 cases imported.