Dominio Basconcillos Ribera del Duero Roble 2013, Spain (£13.50 Vintage Roots)

Greetings Basconcillos Ribera del Duero 2013, how are things?

Things are dandy, I’ve just been released from my bottle and I’m feeling good.

You certainly bound out of it, with boisterous vanilla, blackcurrant and blackberry flavours, what is it that makes you so bouncy and Tigger-like?

Well I’m young, I’m not carrying excessive oak – just six months in barrel – and I’m not too fat and ripe.

Do you feel at your peak now, or is your best still to come?

It really is a bit of both. I’ve just turned 3, so I’m out of short pants, but I’ve still got some developing to do.

Fair enough. But when I look at you, I just have a couple of concerns. Firstly, that vanilla edge is a little too dominant.

I’ll accept that for the moment, but keep an eye on me, you’ve only just pulled the cork, so that’s going to calm down. What’s the other concern?

There’s a touch of greenness…

That’s 2013. Not the best of years in the region, one of those to sort the men from the boys. Erratic ripening, and a risk of that greenness you mentioned, a sign that not everything was perfectly ripe.

But it’s a minor concern, I’ve actually enjoyed spending time with you.

Would you come back and do it again?

Ish – there’s just so much wine out there. But if someone poured a glass for me, I’d definitely finish it.

I can live with that. Hopefully see you again soon?

I’ll call you…

Dominio Basconcillos Ribera del Duero Roble 2013, Spain (£13.50,Vintage Roots)