The 2007 Reserva offers up a complex bouquet of spice box, violets, mineral, incense, and assorted black fruits. Smooth-textured, ripe, and well-balanced, it will benefit from several more years of cellaring and will deliver prime drinking from 2013 to 2027. Hacienda Monasterio is located between Pesquera and Valbuena del Duero. The estate is planted primarily to Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) but there is also some Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Oenologist/winemaker Peter Sisseck (of Dominio Pingus fame) has managed wine production at Hacienda Monasterio since 1990. Alcoholic fermentation is with native yeasts and malolactic fermentation occurs in French oak. The wine is aged in 40-50% new barrels, usually for 18 months, followed by 1 year in bottle prior to release.Importer: Eric Solomon Selections, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565