Viña Sastre Pesus 2018

Viña Sastre Pesus is the top red from Hermanos Sastre, one of the leading estates in Ribera del Duero, based in La Horra in Burgos. The Sastre family stopped selling their grapes in 1992 to make their own wines, and Pesus blends Tempranillo with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from low yielding old vines. The high Duero plateau sits near 800 metres, where intense sun ripens the fruit fully while sharply cold nights lock in acidity and aromatics, giving a wine that is powerful at 15 per cent alcohol yet keeps freshness. The poor limestone and clay soils restrict vigour and concentrate small, thick skinned berries rich in colour and tannin. Ageing runs 22 months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange builds structure, polishes the firm tannins and layers in cocoa, toast and sweet spice. The colour is deep cherry with garnet reflections. The nose is intense, with dried red and black fruit, plum, dark chocolate, leather and liquorice. The palate is full and concentrated, with dense ripe tannins, savoury depth and a very long finish. This is a wine for the cellar. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant well ahead. Pair with roast and grilled red meats.