Hacienda Monasterio, Ribera del Duero, Reserva Especial 2012

Their Gran Reserva-style 2012 Reserva Especial is only produced in certain years (it wasn't produced in 2011, for example), where the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon goes up to 25% to complement the Tempranillo, and the élevage is in new barriques and lasts 26 months. Considering 2012 was an extremely dry year when the grapes were very concentrated, yields were low and the wines had a tendency to be super concentrated and sometimes with excess tannin, this feels very fresh and balanced. This is starting to develop some tertiary aromas in the bouquet from the bottle aging, and the tannins are getting resolved nicely. I feel that the wines from 2015 and 2014 have more precision, as they keep pushing the limits and aim at improving every year. 3,210 bottles were filled in March 2015.

• Drinking Window: 2018 - 2024
• Reviewer Name: Luis Gutierrez
• Review Date: August 2018