2015 Hacienda Monasterio 2015 Ribera del Duero

From the outstanding 2015 vintage and scoring 94/100 Parker points, “The flagship Crianza is now simply referred to as 2015 Hacienda Monasterio. This is their biggest production, with some 181,630 bottles in this classical and powerful vintage where the secret was an early harvest to keep the acidity and freshness in the wine and keep the alcoholic degree under control. It’s mostly Tempranillo, with 10% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, fermented with indigenous yeasts and with long and soft macerations. It matured for some 18 months in French oak barrels, 25% of them new (a percentage that has been gradually lowered in the last few years). It has a balanced nose, with nuance and subtleness, with the oak nicely folded into the fruit, incipient perfume, and even if young, you can almost see where it can go in bottle. The foreign varieties are not really noticed; they are very integrated. The palate has terrific balance and refined tannins. There is no heat or excess ripening whatsoever. For a moment, I thought I was tasting the 2014. This is one of the best and most widely available wines from Ribera del Duero. It should evolve nicely in bottle.” Drink now – 2028. This vintage Spanish red wine is shipped in a deluxe silk lined wooden presentation box with three wine accessories (corkscrew, wine pourer, drip stopper) [worth £17.99] at no extra cost and now includes a free gift card with your personal message and tasting and storage notes.