Alejandro Fernandez Condado de Haza Crianza 2020, DO Ribera del Duero, Spain

Alejandro Fernandez discovered an abandoned hillside on the banks of the River Duero in the mid-1980s that seemed to bring together the ideal conditions to become one of the best vineyards of the region. It had a gentle southern-facing slope that ended in the river and different soils composed of gravel, clay and gypsum that promised to produce the nuances needed to create complex wines from Tempranillo grapes. Thus began an arduous three-year period of negotiations destined to purchase the small individual allotments that made up the hillside. The first 80 hectares were finally planted in 1989. Today the property, which is named after the nearby town of Haza, has a continuous covering of almost 200 hectares of excellent Tempranillo vines. Appearance: Clean and brilliant with an attractive purple hue and a violet rim. Nose: Black fruit aromas such as blackberries and black currants come to the fore. Subtle floral notes, such as violets, come through with hints of liquorice, a characteristic trait of the Tempranillo grape. Also roasted coffee bean notes emerge, together with touches of vanilla brought by the wine’s ageing in barrel. Palate: A fresh, fruity and full entry on the palate with well-integrated acidity. Length of flavor is medium to long, with a creamy, sweet sensation coming from the wine’s ageing in oak. Aged 14 months in American oak barrels followed by 6 months in bottle.