The 2009 Esencia Tempranillo Crianza is remarkably closed on the nose and demands a lot of encouraging. It reluctantly offers stony aromas, almost like walking into a limestone cave! The palate is medium-bodied with plenty of lovely juicy fruit, strawberry jam, fresh raspberry and just a touch of vanilla. It is well-balanced and much plusher than the deceptive nose suggests. Drink now and over the next couple of years. Anticipated Maturity: now-2015. The Garcia family founded Bodegas Ovidio Garcia in 1999. On a bitterly cold February afternoon I visited their ancient subterranean cellars, which are over three centuries old and accommodate a gargantuan, 15-meter long Roman press. Here you will find the twelve concrete vats they use to ferment the wine, while on the ground-level sits the stainless steel vats that they intend to use in the future. They eschew the use of pesticides in their vineyards around the village of Cigales. I appreciated these wines for their purity and natural harmony, quite conservative in style at first, strict and focused but often with very satisfying finishes. Importer: Enye Group, Chicago, IL; tel. (312) 876-1200