Pesquera Ribera del Duero Tinto Crianza 2015

This renowned 100% Tempranillo – once famously called “the Pétrus of Spain” by Robert Parker, comes from the estate vineyards in Lucia, Vina Alto and Llano Santiago; high elevation sites (2,400 feet) between 30 and 40 years of age. The vines are rooted in poor, well-drained soils, composed of sand and gravel over a limestone and clay subsoil. The grapes are mostly destemmed, leaving maximum whole berries, and fermentation is with natural yeasts after a cold soak. All vineyard blocks are vinified separately. The unclarified wine goes directly to 225-300L oak after pressing. Fernández’ oak vessels are an astute blend of American, Spanish and French oak, custom-cured and made by Spain’s finest coopers. None of the wines are filtered. The 2014 is superb – tightly wound with dark depths, tight structure and a long, powdery close.