Protos Carroa 2021

Good depth, with aromas of meat, spices, blackberries and cocoa powder. Full-bodied, structured and tightly wound, with powerful, chalky tannins and a long, firm but polished finish. A very good Ribera del Duero that’s not just oaky and powerful, but also shows some restraint and precision. Drink from 2026.

Carroa makes the most of some of Protos' best and oldest vineyards in Anguix, Boada, Quintanamanvirgo and Roa. Using a combination of barrels, foudres and concrete, it's less obviously oaked than some of the bodega's reds. Floral, sappy and intense, it combines vanilla and violet aromas with a palate of plum, raspberry and black cherry. 2026-38