The venerable Robert Parker once wrote; “I am not kidding when I say this might be the greatest young red wine I have ever tasted from Spain.”

That was for the inaugural vintage of Pingus, about 3 decades ago, crafted by Peter Sisseck.

By the same mastermind team Montecastro’s Reserva gives out similar vibes. Ironically, both cost about the same upon release, but Pingus nowadays has long broken the $1,000-a-bottle barrier.

Which makes this $35 Ribera del Duero a rock-solid bargain.

AND it’s a Wine Spies Exclusive! You may spot the entry level one at select shops or restaurants, but this Reserva is a brand new arrival to the US of A!

Up until 2012, Montecastro was just another Ribera del Duero winery. Per Decanter they became a “One to watch” since Pingus’ “Hacienda Monasterio became a 50% partner in 2012, bringing in both vineyard and winemaking expertise with high-altitude vineyard parcels, Tempranillo with a dash of Bordeaux varieties and wines are fermented in concrete, with finely balanced use of oak.”

And the results? A dense, concentrated, powerful red offering a great nose of blackcurrants, ripe cherry, chocolate, spicy oak, espresso, and tobacco. Beautiful on the palate, it’s rich and dense, with great, mid-palate concentration, ripe tannins, and a finish that goes on and on. Seriously impressive, decadent, yet balanced Ribera to cherish for over a decade, especially with hard cheeses and charcuterie.

Regional expert Master of Wine Tim Atkin adds “Given the prestige and the fame of its top wines, most notably Pingus and Vega Sicilia, it’s easy to forget that Ribera del Duero is a young DO, established in 1982 …the region may be young, but many of its best vineyards are more than 50 years old… Ribera has changed a lot in the last decade and will continue to evolve.” And evolve it does. Insane values like this despite the likes of Vega Sicilia and Pingus, as Tim points out, are out there.

Insane value indeed, not to miss!

94 Points – Decanter World Wine Awards

93 Points – Tim Atkin MW

“Dark ruby, purple reflections, delicate bright rim. Ripe black forest berry fruit, a hint of dried figs, delicate roasted aromas, vanilla touch. Medium complexity, discreet fruit extract, savoury tannins, some nougat, already drinking well.”

92 Points – Falstaff

“Dark wild berry-ish fruit, blackberry, cassis, with subtle roasted nuances and sweet spices. Medium fullness on the palate with subtle, textured fruit, noticeable fine tannins, ripe acidity. Good length.”