Hacienda de Monasterio Ribiera del Duero
"Planting started on this estate in 1990 ... The 52 producing hectares of vines feature 60% Tempranillo, 20% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot and 5% Malbec. The wines receive an extended cold maceration prior to fermentation, under a layer of "nitrogen snow". They are typically moved into barrels (one-third new) by Christmas, after the malolactic fermentations have finished, where they age for 20 months. The thin staves of the French barrels, says Sisseck, help to round out the tannins. These very rich, high-alcohol wines, according to Sisseck, "aim to combine the complexity of Vega Sicilia with the shorter barrel aging approach of Pesquera, but with our own touch, including the use of French oak." More than one local insider suggested to me that today Hacienda Monasterio wines are an affordable way to enjoy the winemaking skills of Sisseck, whose cult wine, Pingus, is unaffordable and virtually unobtainable." Steve Tanzer
Reserva 1995 $39.99 very limited
"Dark ruby-red. Superripe, slightly gamey aromas of black raspberry, plum, animal fur and stewed tomato. Very lush, thick and concentrated; as seamless as liquid velvet. Sweet fruit retains impressive freshness despite a high pH, thanks to firm underlying structure. Very long, superripe finish features lush tannins. Drink this thoroughly seductive wine over the next year or two while waiting for the '96 to mature." 92 Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 11/12-99
"This project, from a large estate in Ribiera del Duero, has the gifted Danish winemaker, Peter Sisseck (of Pingus fame), as the winemaker. Produced from extremely low yields (15-20 hectoliters per hectare), this offering is a blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. This wine is a sexy, exotic wine that could be called Spanish Pomerol. The 1995 Reserva Especial (125 cases produced) reveals extract and body, as well as a viscous, unctuously-textured finish. Flavors of chocolate, blackberries, and cherries are also present. The Reserva should drink well for 10-15 years." 93 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #127
"This lush, velvety Spanish red offers a wide range of flavors, from chocolate and toast to plums, cherries and tobacco. The tannins are firm and well integrated, the concentration rich, yet the structure graceful. Should bloom with some time in the bottle. A blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet, Merlot and Malbec. The first vintage under new winemaker Peter Sisseck. Spectator Selection." 90 The Wine Spectator 8/31/98

Crianza 1997 $29.99 very limited
"Good fresh ruby. Bright, fruit-driven aromas of cassis, blackberry, licorice, maple syrup, menthol and flowers. Supple and expansive, with impressive depth of fruit for the vintage. Still tightly wrapped and firm-edged, but ripe, lively and long. The tannins are quite fine. Even better than a bottle I sampled at the estate last September. 90 Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 9-10-00
"Plum and cassis flavors are ripe and concentrated in this powerful red. It has muscular but balanced tannins, accents of smoke and earth, and a long finish." 90 The Wine Spectator 10/31/01

Peter Sisseck, Winemaker