Hacienda Solano Finca Peña Lobera 2021

Finca Peña Lobera is a single-vineyard Tempranillo from D.O. Ribera del Duero, made by Hacienda Solano, the project the three Cubillo siblings began in 2001 from their family vines in La Aguilera near Burgos, farmed by respectful, sustainable methods. Ribera del Duero sits on a high plateau around 800 metres, where the wide day-to-night temperature swing ripens black fruit and tannin while preserving the acidity that gives the wine its lift. The single site concentrates the character of its soils, a mix of clay, limestone and sand that lends grip and a stony, earthy edge. The wine spends eighteen months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange firms the tannins and adds spice and a fine toast without burying the fruit. The colour is deep, dark ruby. The nose is blackberry and plum over black pepper, dried herbs and a savoury, earthy note. The palate is full and firm, with grainy ripe tannins, fresh acidity and a long finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted ahead, with grilled red meat or roast lamb.