Vina Sastre Tinto 2008

This wine is so distinctly Ribera del Duero that it seems like in every sip you could almost taste the lamb that Jesus and his family are surely enjoying at the winery right now. The Tinto, after its long maceration and seven months in two-year-old American oak barrels, has a beautiful violet color with flavors of cacao, spices, and ripe fruit that wrap around a rich, powerful, and dense palate.

100% Tempranillo. In the heart of Ribera del Duero is the town of La Horra, home of Vina Sastre. This family-owned winery was founded by current owner/winemaker Jesus Sastre and his late brother Pedro. Jesus is very hands-on at the winery; by overseeing every step of the process from vine to bottle he ensures that the wine lives up to his exacting standards. He uses biodynamic and organic practices in the vineyards to ensure healthy fruit and he's always looking toward new technologies and methods to enhance the winemaking process. This combination of natural and high-tech methods yield a wine that embodies the spirit of Ribera del Duero: the Vina Sastre Tinto.