It is not easy to find a Ribera del Duero for under $25 a bottle, but this 100% Tempranillo aged four months in both French and American oak (70% and 30% respectively) is a joint venture between importer Eric Solomon and proprietor Isaac Fernandez. From a 70-year-old vineyard, this outstanding red wine offers notes of melted chocolate, black cherry jam, cedarwood, charcoal and damp earth. Rich, dense, supple-textured, fleshy and medium to full-bodied, it should drink well for 4-5 years. As are all of the wines in this report, it is a very impressive value.Importer:Eric Solomon, European Cellars Charlotte, NC; Tel. (704) 358-1565; Fax (704) 358-1797

The 2009 Creta Roble is 100% Tempranillo sourced from a 40-year-old vineyard and aged for 4-5 months in seasoned French and American oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it offers up a brooding bouquet of pencil shavings, espresso, Asian spices, incense, and assorted black fruits. Structured on the palate with layers of succulent fruit, this concentrated, lengthy effort admirably reflects the strength of the superb 2009 vintage. Drink this outstanding value over the next 4-5 years. Importer: Eric Solomon Selections, Charlotte, NC; Tel. (704) 358-1565

The 2007 Creta Roble is 100% Tempranillo aged 4-5 months in neutral French and American oak. Purple-colored it exhibits a brooding bouquet of mineral, spice box, violets, and assorted black fruits. On the palate it is medium to full-bodied with exceptional volume for its humble price. Smooth-textured, dense, and savory, this nicely balanced effort may well evolve for 1-2 years but can be enjoyed now. It is an outstanding value.Importer: Eric Solomon Selections, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565