The 2009 Recorba Crianza comes from 20- to 60-year-old vines in Finca Ventosilla in Gumiel de Merciado. There is a touch of the old boot polish on the nose, although there is plenty of sweet black fruit to be enjoyed. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, fleshy red cherries with a hint of balsamic on the sweet, generous finish. Fine. Drink now-2015. The Real Sitio de Ventosilla estate dates back to the 16th century but its vines only began to be planted in 1989 and a winery constructed seven years later. Various American importers.

A blend of 85% Tinta Fino seasoned with a little Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and aged for 12 months in oak, the well-crafted 2008 Recorba Crianza is soft and rounded on the nose with dark plum and wild strawberry notes, the oak well-integrated. The palate is harmonious and very pure, with lovely ripe dark cherry, mulberry and cocoa. Fresh acidity lends this Crianza great vivacity and freshness. Drink now-2018. The Real Sitio de Ventosilla estate dates back to the 16th century but its vines only began to be planted in 1989 and a winery constructed seven years later. Various American importers.

A chunky, thick, earthy type of wine with syrupy, sweet berry flavors and a friendly palate that’s tannic but not too much so. Caramel and carob mix with coffee and cola on the finish, and overall it is good RDD if you don’t mind full extraction and syrupy richness.——M.S.(8/1/2010)—— 87

Hard and closed on the nose, but if you dig there’s saturated yet generic dark-fruit aromas and a touch of creamy, lactic oak. The palate offers thick berry flavors and tomato, while the finish is beefy and chewy, with no shortage of tannins. Colorful and bold, but short on polish and expressiveness.——M.S.(6/1/2009)—— 86