I tasted three breathtaking wines, starting with the 2011 Crianza which is, year in, year out, one of the best crianzas from Ribera del Duero. It is a blend of mostly Tempranillo with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 2% Malbec, and I wonder if the combination of grapes has something to do with the extra dimension and complexity that I often find in this wine. The vineyards are planted on the chalky slopes of this chateau-style winery which is surrounded by vineyards outside the village of Pesquera de Duero. The same time as some 6% of the whole cluster began going into the fermentation vats, also started using around 10% 500-liter barrels for the aging of the wine. For Sisseck, 2011 marks the end of an era, the end of high alcohol, but it all comes from the work in the vineyards improving on the balance, adapting yields to the character of the vintage. It has an explosive nose, with ripe, hedonistic aromas and the wood perfectly integrated into the wine. The palate is only medium to full-bodied, dense, glyceric, with polished tannins, and clean, with delineated flavors, not heavy and with the alcohol perfectly integrated and unnoticable. This is a big Ribera which feels light on its feet; a gentle giant, a triumph for the vintage. A curious 166,600 bottles were produced in 2011. Drink now-2019.
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Hacienda Monasterio Ribera Del Duero 2011 750ml
Rated 93 by Wine Advocate
I tasted three breathtaking wines, starting with the 2011 Crianza which is, year in, year out, one of the best crianzas from Ribera del Duero. It is a blend of mostly Tempranillo with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 2% Malbec, and I wonder if the combination of grapes has something to do with the extra dimension and complexity that I often find in this wine. The vineyards are planted on the chalky slopes of this chateau-style winery which is surrounded by vineyards outside the village of Pesquera de Duero. The same time as some 6% of the whole cluster began going into the fermentation vats, also started using around 10% 500-liter barrels for the aging of the wine. For Sisseck, 2011 marks the end of an era, the end of high alcohol, but it all comes from the work in the vineyards improving on the balance, adapting yields to the character of the vintage. It has an explosive nose, with ripe, hedonistic aromas and the wood perfectly integrated into the wine. The palate is only medium to full-bodied, dense, glyceric, with polished tannins, and clean, with delineated flavors, not heavy and with the alcohol perfectly integrated and unnoticable. This is a big Ribera which feels light on its feet; a gentle giant, a triumph for the vintage. A curious 166,600 bottles were produced in 2011. Drink now-2019.
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Rated 93 by Wine Spectator
#69 Top 100, 2015. This rich red delivers blueberry compote, dark chocolate, licorice and smoke flavors in a firm texture, supported by solid tannins. Ample acidity keeps this fresh through the floral, cola-accented finish. Drink now through 2026.
Inky ruby. Vibrant, spice-accented aromas of blackberry and cherry-cola, with a suave floral overtone. Sweet and focused on the palate, offering an array of dark fruit flavors complicated by peppery spices and smoky minerality. This rich, energetic wine finishes with strong punch, velvety tannins and excellent persistence.
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.