ABOUT: Vina Sastre was founded by Jesus Sastre and his late brother Pedro in La Horra, Northern Spain, and sits within the borders of legendary DO Ribera del Duero, home to greats Vega Sicilia and Pingus. Unlike most of his neighbors, Jesus tinkers with organics and biodynamics in his old vineyards of Tempranillo in the towns La Horra and Roa, and not a drop of chemical or copper has touched his soil in 30+ years of working it. We are big fans of their style of Tempranillo, structured, powerful, and balanced. The white wine made from Jaen is one of our absolute favorites as well. And as always the wines have such friendly prices we can't help but stock as much as we can. It's not about the latest vintage with Vina Sastre, look to the older vintages for extraordinary development. TASTE: Sastre Roble is a fine introduction to Tempranillo grown in the hills of Ribera del Deuro. Fresh and lifted aromas and flavors of cherries, blackberries and raspberries, roses, violets, and allspice. My note is chock-a-block with the word “medium” – body, acid, tannin, and alcohol. 8 months in old French and American barrels gives it a whiff of cedar and a finish that is persistent. Incredible value wine right here. PAIR: White bean stew, spiced Mexican lentils, caramelized onion and manchego tart, Lebanese rice, fried mushrooms, and grilled cheese sandwich.
