At a glance

Producer

Bodegas J.A. Calvo Casajús

Region

Ribera del Duero, Spain

Grape variety

Tempranillo (Tinto Fino)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$55-$80 USD (as of 2024, secondary market/auction pricing)

Tasting profile

Mature Tempranillo with notes of dried cherry, plum, tobacco, leather, and subtle earth. Oak influence integrated; spice and balsamic notes.

Evolution: Developed from primary dark fruit and spicy oak to tertiary flavors including cedar, licorice, dried herb, and forest floor.

At peak: Wine has delivered deep complexity with harmonious structure; current drinking shows full character.

Structure

Acidity

Medium; provides balance and freshness despite age.

Tannins

Silky and fully resolved; moderate structure remaining.

Alcohol

14.5% ABV (approximate; typical for the style and vintage).

Aging potential

2009 vintage has reached maturity; further aging will lead to gradual fading of fruit and increased tertiary notes.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2017 to 2022

Optimal window

2014 to 2024

Current status

Drinking at peak or slightly post-peak; mature and complex.

Current condition

Showing tertiary development, with softened structure and integrated flavors; should be consumed within the next 1-2 years for maximum freshness.

2009 was a warm, well-regarded vintage for Ribera del Duero; 'Antiguos Viñedos' is sourced from very old vines, contributing to exceptional depth and aging ability. Now, after 15 years, primary fruit is giving way to developed, savory, and nuanced aromas. Peak was likely between 2017-2022 for balanced freshness and integration; still enjoyable, but further aging will increase tertiary flavors at the expense of fruit.

Food pairing

Best with roasted lamb, aged Manchego, grilled Iberico pork, wild mushroom dishes, or rich stews. Handles mature flavors and earthy preparations well.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Old-vine, dry-farmed (no irrigation), hand-harvested, minimal chemical input, small-production; energy use typical for small Ribera del Duero estates. No explicit data on renewable energy, water recycling, or lightweight packaging for this vintage.

Bodegas J.A. Calvo Casajús practices many traditional, low-intervention methods (dry-farming, hand harvest, limited spraying), yielding a moderate level of sustainability and low-to-medium ecosystem impact at the vineyard level. However, lack of formal environmental certification and limited communication on advanced eco-efficient technologies (such as solar or green packaging) constrain the sustainability score. The carbon footprint is average for a European fine wine exported globally, with no special initiatives to offset transportation emissions. Overall, a conscientious but traditionally farmed, medium-impact estate for this vintage.