2023 Vina Sastre Ribera Del Duero Roble

The Sastre family has been growing grapes in La Horra, one of Ribera del Duero's best villages, since the 1800s. They started bottling their own wine in 1992 after generations of selling fruit to co-ops. The vineyards sit at high elevation on limestone soils, farmed sustainably. Roble is their young wine—100% Tempranillo aged briefly in American oak, meant to show the fruit and the site without heavy extraction.

Dark cherry and plum. Some spice from the oak but it doesn't dominate. The fruit is ripe but balanced—this is high-altitude Tempranillo with freshness. Tannins are present but smooth. There's a dusty, earthy edge underneath. Pour it with grilled chorizo, roast pork, hard cheeses. Drinks well now, no need to cellar it. Honest wine at a fair price.