Arrocal Ribera del Duero Red THE WORKS 6-Pack

1 of each: Arrocal Roble Joven / Crianza / Seleccion Especial / Reserva Familia / Gallinita Ciega / Perro Gato Raton

This region is a 10. If someone is making a wine here that rates a 5, that person is delinquent. XAVIER AUSAS, VEGA SICILIA

Ribera del Duero is famous for its Tempranillo, known locally as Tinta Pais, and while Vega Sicilia is the most famous name, from the most infamous strip of land; The Golden Mile, we actually favour Burgos, a sub zone which is known for an even more robust style of wine. Dark, inky, rustic and satisfying. Arrocal is the producer in question. Particularly good pack if you want to start lying some wines down.

You can basically ascend Arrocal's range as you ascend the hills of Burgos. Arrocal Tinto Fino Crianza (drink/cellar 2029-2065) is full bodied and complex, plush and robust but it's height imparts great freshness - best to leave if possible, but will drink now if you cant wait. Arrocal Seleccion Especiale (will drink/cellar from now till 2034) is a stunning example, also probably more ready to drink but will stay a long time, very highly pointed in the press. Arrocal Reserva de Familia (will drink/cellar from now till 2045) is actually probably more ready to drink as the fruit has already beasted the oak, but man this will be amazing in years to come.

Arrocal Roble Joven is all about high intensity. Lovely bouquet of plums, cherries, touch of mint, cocoa powder, a bit of wild fennel, a very good touch of soil and a still good foundation of spicy oak from the wood. Alongside their old school, traditional Ribera labels, Arrocal also have a couple of modern and dare we say it; cool wines - a passion project by the wine makers to make their very 'own' wine. GALLINITA CIEGA is a bright and high toned Tinta Pais, while PERRO GATO RATON is Tempranillo with an extra couple of varieties (Garnacha and whatever else is hanging around). These wines are made with ancient clones, but with modern methods at Arrocal's state of the art facilities. Both labels recall their Grandparents, with memories of the games they played and experiences they had in the vineyards as kids. STSWine played and experiences they had in the vineyards as kids. STSWine