The 2005 Mauro is made up of 97% Tempranillo and 3% Syrah. Opaque purple-colored, it reveals a brooding but enticing bouquet of wood smoke, pencil lead, tar, and assorted black fruits. This leads to a layered, plush, mouth-filling, sweetly fruited wine with tons of flavor. It has enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years and its finish is long and pure. It can be enjoyed now but will continue to provide pleasure through 2025. Because of its geographical location 10 km from the boundary of Ribera del Duero, Bodegas Mauro does not qualify for the more prestigious D.O. Currently it has 35 hectares of vineyard in production. Winemaking is in the hands Alberto and Eduardo Garcia, sons of renowned Vega Sicilia winemaker Mariano Garcia. Importer: Christopher Cannan, Europvin; www.europvin.com

Black cherry, herbal and licorice flavors mingle in this firm, polished red. Lively and balanced, with a bright core of fruit. Tempranillo. Drink now through 2013. 23,000 cases made. -TM

Mauro will always show you a lot, but frankly this 2005 seems soft and chunky. It has rich, baked, black-fruit aromas and then a mildly syrupy palate with huge blackberry and cassis flavors. The finish is wide and rich, but where are the tannins and structure that this wine is known for? Drink now for best results; it may not improve in the cellar. A Europvin, Christopher Cannan selection, imported by multiple importers, including Michael Skurnik Wines. ——M.S.(2/1/2009)—— 88