2015 Hacienda Monasterio, Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain

Peter Sisseck has taken this Reserva to new heights, with the 2015 release knocking on the door of the property’s best yet. Beautifully deep ruby in colour, this possesses a richer profile than the Crianza. The nose offers a medley of crushed blackberries, bramble and black olives, with dried herbs in the background. Some 20 months in less than half new French oak has softened the bold, ripe tannins, resulting in a creamy mouth-feel on the mid-palate. Flavours of blackberry crumble and chocolate raisins are uplifted by a brilliant tension and graphite-like acidity. Structured and  powerful, yet detailed and precise, this is impressive to say the least, and will warrant some cellar time. Drink 2021-2032.