2020 Finca Villacreces

Finca Villacreces and the character of Ribera del Duero

Finca Villacreces is a prestigious estate in the heart of the Ribera del Duero, with a 64-hectare vineyard situated on a terrace overlooking the Duero River. The vineyards were planted around 1980 and are located at an altitude of 710 meters. The soils consist of gravel and sand, which ensures excellent drainage and low yields. Thanks to the continental climate with Atlantic influence – cool nights and warm days – the grapes develop slowly and evenly, retaining freshness and aromatic tension.

Sustainable vineyard selection and low yield

The wine is made from selected plots with very low yields: only 3,000 kg per hectare. The density is 2,200 vines per hectare. Integrated, organic, and traditional viticulture practices are used, including inter-row vegetation. This contributes to biodiversity and a healthy balance in the vineyard. All grapes are harvested by hand in small 15 kg crates and undergo double selection on sorting tables.

Grape varieties and fermentation

The 2020 edition is made from 90% Tempranillo, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Merlot, although the technical document indicates a slightly different split: 96% Tempranillo, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Merlot. Fermentation took place in wooden vats and concrete tanks. Malolactic fermentation took place in both wooden barrels and French oak barrels. The wine was aged for 12 months in 100% French oak from the Darnajou and Taransaud cooperages, 50% of which were new and 50% second-year barrels. This was followed by additional aging in foudre and large wooden barrels to polish and soften the blend.

Smell, color and taste

The wine has a deep, inky purple color. The bouquet is intense and layered with notes of espresso, roasted hazelnut, graphite, wild blueberries, and blackcurrant liqueur. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, rich, and velvety, with a layered texture of ripe black fruit, subtle spices, and a smoky finish. Despite its strength, the balance is elegant, with refined tannins and a long, fresh finish.

Robert Parker's Review – The Wine Advocate

The 2020 Finca Villacreces received 93+ points from Luis Gutiérrez (The Wine Advocate), who tasted it alongside the 2019. According to him, the 2020 edition has more elegant tannins, a more refined structure, and greater freshness. He describes it as a wine with power and concentration, yet a softer mouthfeel. The additional months of aging in foudres create a polished finish with a particularly pleasant texture. It is recommended to drink the wine between 2023 and 2029.

Serving tips and aging potential

Serve this wine at 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. Decanting is recommended for young bottles to allow the full aroma to unfold. This wine can be enjoyed young, but will further develop in complexity over the coming years. Ageing potential until at least 2029.

Would you like to order wines from Finca Villacreces online?

The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.
Any fact sheets or other information and/or photos can be found in the tab: Attachment.
The reviews from international wine journalists such as Parker, Suckling and Vinous can be read in full on the website via the links next to the image
Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings with 2020 Finca Villacreces

1. Grilled sirloin steak with chimichurri
   The full structure and spicy aromas enhance the powerful meat and the spicy herb sauce.

2. Wild stew with rosemary and red wine
   The depth and ripe tannins are a perfect match with hearty, winter dishes.

3. Rack of lamb with herb crust and roasted vegetables
   The finesse in the tannins and smoky notes nicely complement the spiciness of the dish.

4. Risotto with mushrooms and truffle
   Earthy flavors and creamy texture are carried by the wine's dark fruit and wood notes.

5. Roasted eggplant with harissa and lentils
   The combination of spiciness and texture makes this vegetarian dish particularly suitable.

6. Manchego gran reserva with fig bread
   The salty and slightly spicy flavours of the cheese harmonise with the fruity and smoky notes of the wine.