I got to taste the 2014 Crianza, which was fascinating to compare with the 2013. It's 80% Tempranillo and 10% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and they have been reducing the amount of new oak to around 30% in this wine. The vineyard was planted in 1990, so the vines are ripe and getting its own personality; they saw that change happening at 18 years old. 2014 was a very good overall year in the zone, and the tannic structure is quite powerful, so it was very important to do a soft vinification to avoid extracting too much and get a balanced wine. It is very harmonious and the oak does not play an important role in the aromatics. The tannins always have that limestone texture that also adds a sapid character making it very tasty. This is a great year for the Crianza, and as I mentioned, it was fascinating to taste it next to the 2013, as both faithfully reflected the character of each vintage. It was bottled in June 2016. There were 212,011 bottles produced.
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Hacienda Monasterio Ribera Del Duero 2014 750ml
Rated 94 by Wine Advocate
I got to taste the 2014 Crianza, which was fascinating to compare with the 2013. It's 80% Tempranillo and 10% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and they have been reducing the amount of new oak to around 30% in this wine. The vineyard was planted in 1990, so the vines are ripe and getting its own personality; they saw that change happening at 18 years old. 2014 was a very good overall year in the zone, and the tannic structure is quite powerful, so it was very important to do a soft vinification to avoid extracting too much and get a balanced wine. It is very harmonious and the oak does not play an important role in the aromatics. The tannins always have that limestone texture that also adds a sapid character making it very tasty. This is a great year for the Crianza, and as I mentioned, it was fascinating to taste it next to the 2013, as both faithfully reflected the character of each vintage. It was bottled in June 2016. There were 212,011 bottles produced.
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Rated 90 by Wine Spectator
Dark chocolate, forest floor and black olive notes give this red a savory character, while plum and licorice details and juicy acidity keep this lively. The plush texture leaves a clean finish. Drink now through 2024. 1,650 cases imported.
Certified Organic. A blend of Tempranillo with about 10-15% Cabernet Sauvignon and smaller portions of Merlot and Malbec from 15-30 year old vines in clay limestone at 730 meters. Hand harvested, strict selection, partially destemmed, whole berry fermentation with natural yeasts in tank with 20 day maceration. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels and 25% new.