The “value” in Vina Sastre’s lineup is the 2003 Crianza, a 100% Tempranillo cuvee aged 18 months in new French oak and bottled unfiltered. It is purple in color with plenty of toasty oak and spicy black fruit aromas. The winery was able to handle 2003’s extreme heat without difficulty reflected in the depth and layering of fruit, ripe tannins, and excellent length. It should improve for 2-4 years and drink well for another 5-7 years. Importer: De Maison Selections, Chapel Hill, NC; tel. (919) 933-4245

Lots of size and smoothness are on display, and the bouquet is ample and fruity. In the mouth, there’s forward berry fruit and snappy cherry riding more on the surface than down below. In fact, this wine runs more racy than hefty, with a touch of herbal essence blending with chocolate on the finish.——M.S.(6/1/2007)—— 89