The 2011 Vina Sastre Roble, raised in second-use oak barrel for six months, seems a little disjointed after the superlative 2010, although it still offers plenty of wild strawberry and dark plum aromas that settle down with a modicum of aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a bright, sparky entry of cassis and red cherry fruit infused with dried orange rind and white pepper. The palate is very well-balanced with crisp acidity, great harmony and superb length in the mouth. Like the 2010, there is convincing poise and tension: a Roble that exudes a sense of place. Drink 2013-2018. I visited Bodegas Hermanos Sastre on a sizzling afternoon: touring the vineyard, inspecting the vines and of course tasting the wines. Winemaker Jesus Sastre, a huge fellow bursting with energy and a dash of hubris, told me that he tries to harvest as late as possible and is generous with oak as he believes it lends to aging the wine better. The Roble wines spend 8 to 10 months in oak (50% used and 50% new). These are modern Ribera del Duero wines that at the top end pack a mighty punch, although they avoid pretentiousness and ostentation. Apart from the Pesus, they generally represent good value.Importer: Terroir 34; www.terroir34.com

The 2010 Vina Sastre Roble has an attractive bouquet of cranberry and raspberry leaf, underpinned by subtle earthy notes that evolve hints of aniseed with time. The palate is medium-bodied with luscious, vibrant, animated brambly red berry fruit. There is a lot of energy in the Roble, with superb tension and purity toward the finish with hints of Provencal herbs and soy. This is very well-crafted and just about the best Roble money can buy. Drink now-2017. I visited Bodegas Hermanos Sastre on a sizzling afternoon: touring the vineyard, inspecting the vines and of course tasting the wines. Winemaker Jesus Sastre, a huge fellow bursting with energy and a dash of hubris, told me that he tries to harvest as late as possible and is generous with oak as he believes it lends to aging the wine better. The Roble wines spend 8 to 10 months in oak (50% used and 50% new). These are modern Ribera del Duero wines that at the top end pack a mighty punch, although they avoid pretentiousness and ostentation. Apart from the Pesus, they generally represent good value.Importer: Terroir 34; www.terroir34.com

Opens with young, punchy aromas of candied raspberry and strawberry. The body is easygoing but the flavors and overall character are more complex than you might expect because Sastre only made this wine and a crianza in ’08 while eschewing its high-end wines. With this youngster expect moderate size and intensity, and a full, semilong finish. ——M.S.(10/1/2010)—— 88

The entry level 2007 Roble is 100% Tempranillo aged for seven months in seasoned American oak. Purple-colored, it offers up an intriguing nose of fungus/mushroom, cedar, espresso, and blackberry. This is followed by a medium- to full-bodied wine with concentrated, spicy black fruit flavors, excellent depth, enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years, and a pure finish. It is an excellent introduction to the wines of the Ribera del Duero DO.Vina Sastre is one of the quality leaders in Ribera del Duero. Their vineyards are organically farmed with biodynamic principles and the wines are never fined or filtered.Importer: Andre Tamers, De Maison Selections, Chapel Hill, NC; www.demaisonselections.com