Ribero del Duero Collection

From a notable estate in Spain's fine wine region Ribera del Duero and one that has been immensely popular with members. The weather in 2019 was warm and dry with fruit harvested at optimum quality, healthy and concentrated. The young wine is intense with a powerful expression combining hints of liquorice and dark fruits. The palate is dense yet accessible and voluptuous with a bright energy that balances the concentration. The wines of this property have a track record of ageing. As it matures it will become silky, mellow and cedary. The blend is mostly tinto fino (tempranillo), with a 10% cabernet and a 6% merlot, aged for 14 months in French oak barrels. Drink from 2025 to 2034. 14.5%

Previously labelled as 'Cardela', the Bohorquez Crianza has a new look, more in line with the Reserva that has had an eager following from our members for some years. This is a stylish, rich and exuberant expression of tempranillo, packed with rich dark fruit and perfectly balanced with smoky, tobacco flavours.

Secreto is an immaculately made Ribera from Spain which has quickly become a favourite with members. It is elegant yet intense with a spicy quality that lifts the fragrant red-fruit flavour. Viña Mayor are also the first winery in Ribera del Duero to obtain 'Wineries for Climate Protection' certification while developing an ambitious project of regenerative viticulture alongside a biodiversity plan to recover and protect local flora and fauna.

Áster is a contemporary project from La Rioja Alta, based in the rising Ribera del Duero zone of Burgos. El Espino comes from two loam- and sand-based parcels at around 800 metres above sea level and, in this standout vintage, delivers a wine that favours polish over power, with generous fruit framed by subtle toasty, spicy oak. Expect notes of mulberry and blackberry, alongside freshly ground coffee and clove, supported by a firm underlying structure and fine, chalky tannins.

New project Cuarto Lagar sits firmly within the new wave of small, village-focused, artisanal projects emerging from Ribera del Duero. Based in the cooler, western Soriana sub-region, Borja Jarque, a young winemaker originally from Madrid, has restored around four hectares of century-old vines back to life, along with an old lagar, all centred around the village of Miño de San Esteban. His approach in the cellar is deliberately hands-off, with a strong focus on caring for the soils and old vines to capture a clear, honest expression of place. His Tinto del País (Tempranillo) is generous and open with chalky tannins, driven by dark fruit, blackcurrant, blackberry, and some ripe raspberry. Fermented with 100% whole bunches, it gains perfumed florals, wild herbs, and a spicy peppery note, adding energy and complexity. Eighteen months in oak is thoughtfully judged, sitting in the background and allowing the wine fruited structure, depth, and character to lead.

Montecastro is backed by 'first growth' Hacienda Monasterio, sharing the same winemaker, Carlos de la Fuente, who dubs it Monasterio’s baby brother. Founded in 2000 this leans towards a more modern interpretation of Ribera del Duero with very high altitude vines at 950m above sea level in Castrillo de Duero, which tempers the hot climate, with an overall energetic, fresh and elegant expression. Made with 95% tempranillo and a splash of cabernet sauvignon, it sees three months of barrel ageing followed by a further 16 months in concrete tank which adds to the fresh, fruit-driven persona. Generous, mature blackcurrant and blueberry fruit governs the aromatics backed by good, fine-grained tannic structure and acidity. Serious, fresh and with great ageing potential.