Regarding Hacienda Monasterio, all you really need to know is that the wine is made by Peter Sisseck, the man behind Pingus. The vineyards are located half way between Pesquera del Duero (Pesquera) and Valbuena (Vega Sicilia). The 2004 Crianza is 80% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. Purple-colored, the wine has an open and expressive nose of violets, lilies, spice box, black currant, and blackberry liqueur which leaps from the glass. It has an intense entry with layers of concentrated sweet fruit, excellent balance, and a sense of elegance. It is lacking only in complexity which is sure to follow with more time in the bottle. Drink this hedonistic effort now and over the next 20 years.Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

Intense yet reticent, this alluring red hints at cassis, pomegranate, chocolate and mineral, with firm, well-integrated tannins supporting a thick yet polished texture. Harmonious, this should become more expressive with time. Drink now through 2018.??–TM??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add