crianza 2019

Convento San Francisco

Wines like this are the reason that Ribera del Duero has managed to build itself a cult status as a top wine region over the past few decades. Don’t be fooled by the term ‘Crianza’, which in Rioja would suggest around six months in oak. This beauty has spent 16 months in French and American oak and is made from old vines up to 106 years old! It’s brimming with notes of vanilla, cocoa and dark brambly fruit. This wine is robust with lashings of lovely oak supported by keen freshness and a wonderfully sweet vanilla finish. Very deep in colour with a nose of tobacco leaf and black fruits. The palate shows intense blackberry, anise and black cherry character with notes of game and dried flowers.

“Poached strawberry and glace cherry fruits on the nose with a gently tarry edge, too. The palate is strapped together with free and easy tannins that give the flesh space to build through to the finish.”

91/100, James Suckling

“Contrary to what I found at many other addresses, I found the 2015 Convento San Francisco to be fresher than the 2014, with better balance and meat to coat the tannic structure. It has nice freshness and focused, clean flavours.”

91/100, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (2015 vintage)