Convento San Francisco Selección Especial 2018

After several years of listing just two wines from this brilliant, young-spirited producer, we decided in the Spring of 2023 we were long overdue to demonstrate our support further by listing this stunning wine, along with its partner, La Zapatera. The Selección Especial takes things to another level entirely. Made from two small parcels of Tempranillo vines with an average age of 65 years, situated at 850 metres above sea level on sand, gravel and red clay soils, here we see the incredible intensity and power for which Ribera del Duero is so renowned and arguably unrivalled. Following fermentation in stainless steel the wine was aged for 21 months in new medium-toast French barriques, bottled without clarification or filtration, 3,622 bottles in total.

Almost black in appearance, with heady aromas of rich black fruits beneath hints of allspice, Bovril, garam masala, black pudding and smoky bacon. (Vegan friendly wine by the way!) It might sound a tad ‘butch’ but actually it’s a masterclass in balance on the palate; super succulent with gentle tannins and incredible length. Of course, it will improve immeasurably with time in bottle for those who have the patience. We don’t!