This chewy red offers plum, fig, chocolate and smoke flavors, ripe and a bit candied, backed by muscular tannins and sweet-tart acidity. Lively, with backbone. Drink now through 2026. 1,800 cases made, 600 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add

Polished and elegant, this modern red exhibits black cherry, floral, wet stone and toasty vanilla flavors that have intensity yet remain graceful, backed by well-integrated tannins and fresh acidity. Drink now through 2018. 1,000 cases made, 800 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add

The 2008 Alidis Reserva comes from 25-year-old vines and is aged for 14 months in new French oak. Although the wood is conspicuous on the aromatics, there appears to be sufficient fruit to support it and therefore it deserves two or three years for assimilation. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent, fleshy tannins. There is good weight in the mouth and the finish offers impressive black fruit laced with black tea and a hint of black pepper, with good persistency on the aftertaste. It just comes across as a bit “serious.” Drink 2015-2022. Here is a prime case of a producer that produces excellent entry-level wines. Yet as you progress toward the higher end labels, both terroir and personality are subjugated by excessive new oak that renders them indistinguishable from much else. Tant pis as they say in France.Importer: Hildago Importers; www.hildalgoimports.com

So exuberant--especially for a difficult vintage. This lively red bursts with blackberry, kirsch, chocolate and licorice flavors, with firm tannins that have a pleasing roughness suitable for food. Drink now through 2012. 650 cases made, 375 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add