HACIENDA MONASTERIO 09 CRIANZA
Hacienda Monasterio is a 150-hectare estate located between Pesquera and Valbeuna de Duero in the D.O. Ribera del Duero. At the end of the 19th century, this property was owned by the Lecanda family, who were pioneers of the region and in fact the first owners of Vega Sicilia. The estate was purchased by current owner Carlos del Rios in the early 1990s. His wine background is in fact rooted south in Jerez, as his family has been in the sherry business for decades with Tio Pepe (and now the larger Gonzalez-Byass parent company). Carlos built the current winery in 1991 with French architect Philippe Mazieres who designed the spectacular cellars for Château Margaux and Château D’Yquem. Peter Sissick (of Pingus fame – which came after Monasterio) has served as consulting winemaker since the estate’s beginning with local winemaker Carlos de la Fuente. Vineyards are planted primarily to Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) and specifically to three types that are based on very old selections. The vineyards are situated on limestone soils and at a south facing exposure.TASTING NOTES: Peter Sisseck of Pingus fame makes the wines of Hacienda Monasterio. Sourced from estate vineyards, it's a blend of 75% Tinto Fino and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec aged for 17 months in 40% new French oak. Deep crimson colored, it offers up an enticing bouquet of mineral, lightly simmered créme de cassis and compote of black cherry. Savory, ripe, and already complex on the palate.
