Alejandro Fernandez Pesquera Tinto Reserva Especial 2010

Aged for 24-30 months in oak, the Reserva Especial is an intense, powerful and nuanced Tempranillo. It has been aged in bottle for 10 years after harvest. (This is Alejandro Fernandez after all; El Rey del Ribero del Duero Vinos!)

From the critically acclaimed 2010 vintage, expect notes of  raspberry, violets, intermingled with white pepper and balsam. The wood is now perfectly integrated and sitting discreetly in the background. There's a wild, briary fruit character on the palate too and the balance is spot-on, with this gorgeous Tempranillo relying as much on its juicy acidity as its super-fine tannins.

"Deep ruby. Explosive, oak-spiced aromas of cherry compote, blackberry, vanilla and potpourri. Smooth, sweet and focused on the palate, offering bitter cherry and blackcurrant flavors that are given lift and spine by juicy acidity. Shows a sexy floral quality on the long, smoky finish, which leaves notes of vanilla and bitter cherry behind." 93 Points, Josh Reynolds, Vinous Media