Bodegas Garcia 2011 'Señorío de los Baldíos' Roble - 88pts

Bodegas Garcia 2011 'Señorío de los Baldíos' Roble (Ribera Del Duero DO) Spain

Availability: Limited. Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: February 11th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A lovely, juicy, 100% Tempranillo (Tinta del Pais) from the Ribera Del Duero region of Spain that acts as an excellent conduit for the aromas and flavours of the American oak barrels it was aged in for 4 months. The nose offers red fruit supported by layers of spices and in-your-face, sweetened vanilla extract aromas. The rounded palate is medium-bodied and intense, yet, quite playful and approachable, with a similar blend of red fruit and spice and added notes of cola, oak, tobacco and citrus acidity. The finish is long with lingering, cocoa-powdery tannins. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Bodegas San Pedro Regalado 2010 Embocadero - 88pts

Bodegas San Pedro Regalado 2010 Embocadero (Ribera Del Duero DO) Castilla y León - Spain

Availability: Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $20
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: February 12th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Classically structured Tempranillo with loads of dark cherry, dried herbs and mineral characters on the warm, earth-infused nose and full-bodied, well-balanced palate that offers an excellent acid-to-fruit-to-tannin ratio, keeping the wine both fresh and fruity with an appropriate level of grilled-meat pairing bite.

Raised in a combination of American and French oak, the palate finishes dry and a tad short, though some nice spicy cassis and vanilla notes linger. Tasting beautifully now and will hold well for another 3-4 years. Drink 2014-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Bodegas Resalte de Penafiel 2005 'Resalte' Crianza - 92pts

Bodegas Resalte de Penafiel 2005  'Resalte' Crianza (Ribera Del Duero DO) Spain

Availability: Limited. Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $45-50
Alcohol: 15%
Production: 5000 cases
Date Tasted: January 21st, 2013

Tasting Notes: Everything seems to fit just right in this gorgeous 100% Tempranillo wine from Spain's Ribera Del Duero region. The right amount of smoke, the right amount of spice, the right amount of red fruit and just the right amount of spicy oak is balanced effortlessly on the juicy and silky-smooth textured palate and on the seductive, cola-infused nose. Good acidity keeps your mouth refreshed while the mature, yet, grippy fine tannins structure the complex flavour profile to near perfection.

At the grand age of 8 years old this Crianza has peaked but will hold for another year or two if you aren't yet ready to take the plunge, just don't wait too long or you will miss the sweet spot. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Viña Mayor 2004 Reserva - 92pts

Viña Mayor 2004 Reserva (Ribera Del Duero) Spain

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $28.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: March 30th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Aged for 6 years prior to release, this smoky-textured, powerful and intense Tempranillo from Spain's Ribera Del Duero offers excellent complexity and character for the price. Earthy, spicy and savoury with dark berry, licorice, oak and tar notes galore. Palate remains elegant despite the intensity and the long, balanced finish is sublime. Pair with roasted red meats. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca