In 1987, Alejandro Fernández, the acknowledged master of Spains precocious Tempranillo grape, spied a neglected slope along the Duero River which promised to be the most ideal vineyard site in the region: one full kilometer of southfacing slope leading to the rivers edge, remarkable in the absence of intervening benchland terrain. 15 months in American oak. This year presented a short crop of healthy grapes, resulting in a rich, deeply colored wine with robust, chewy tannins balanced by a perfect touch of clean, toasty oak.

Community Tasting Notes (average 89.3 pts. and median of 89 pts. in 12 notes)

Rating for Spain-Vinos de la Tierra (VdlT)-Ribera del Duero: 87 (average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: quite possibly over the hill<br/>