Ebano’s 2006 Crianza is 100% Tempranillo aged for 13 months in French oak. Wood smoke, violets, spice box, and blackberry aromas compose the nose of this structured, savory, slightly tight red. Another 2-3 years of cellaring may fill it out and cause my rating to appear stingy.Importer: Kysela Pere & Fils, Winchester, VA; Tel. (540) 722-9228

The garnet-colored 2005 Crianza was aged for 13 months in French oak. It offers up a primary nose of cedar, mineral, leather, and blackberry. On the palate the wine is firm, medium-bodied and flavorful with notes of smoky blueberry and licorice making an appearance. The finish is medium-long and pure. Give this solid effort another 1-2 years of bottle age and drink it from 2011 to 2020. Importer: Kysela Pere & Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-0228

Ebano’s entry level 2005 Ebano 6 Crianza is a sensational value in Ribera del Duero noted on the Best Buy chart at the end of this report. The 2004 Crianza is 100% Tempranillo aged for 13 months in French oak. Opaque purple-colored, the nose is slightly reticent but reveals notes of cedar, mineral, black cherry, and blackberry. This leads to a medium to full-bodied wine with ample ripe fruit, a firm structure, and 5-7 years of aging potential. It should be at its best between 2013 and 2025.Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228