Monasterio De Las Vinas Crianza 2018

Bright, deep ruby with a bit of tight, 'terracotta' hue. Medium strength. Notes of blueberries, raspberries, cloves, and tobacco. Fresh and juicy, with flavours of raspberries, liquorice and ground red pepper seeds and easy-going tannins. Full of minerality, pot roast aromas, herbaceous with hints of briny dill pickles and wood fire smoke. On the palate, flavours of ripe black cherries, cocoa with refined tannins and refreshing acidity with smoky pipe tobacco. Savoury smooth and round finish. At this age, it is starting to throw a little sediment so you might opt to decant and chill lightly prior to drinking it. The notable score is 90.

Overall, this Crianza is quite tasty, and a hell of a deal! Sourced from 30-year-old vineyards and aged for 6 months in French and American oak. Tempranillo, Grenache, Carignan & Cabernet Sauvignon.

Undisputed the quality/price/rating for little wine from Ebro valley. Some 70% Garnacha, Tempranillo 20% and 10% Carignan combine to recreate a modern wine.

Versatile food matching: green peppercorn grilled steak, meaty and fatty fishes with fresh soya source, broccoli satay, international cold cuts and hard cheese, lentil burger,, and even Cheese and ‘General’ Hamburger from McDonald’s.