The purple-colored 2005 Reserva was sourced from estate fruit and is also 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. It spent 18 months in French oak and was bottled unfiltered. It offers up an excellent perfume of wood smoke, mineral, espresso, leather, incense, and blackberry. Dense and concentrated on the palate, it has layers of savory fruit, soft tannin, and 5-7 years of aging potential. Drink it from 2015 to 2025. Importer: Antalva Wine Imports, Los Angeles, CA; (310) 695-6260

This dense, stony red delivers black cherry, mineral and typical gamy flavors, backed by firm tannins. A bit shy now, but shows balance, focus and purity. Drink now through 2020. 2,250 cases made, 120 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add

Aromas of dried cheese, leather, dust and creamy oak are not as clean as in previous years, and the palate is brillo-pad scratchy with driving cherry and berry flavors. More tart and sharp than ideal, with mild heat and bitterness. May round into better form with time, but as of now it isn’t up to the price.——M.S.(12/15/2009)—— 85