2004 Emilio Moro "Malleolus de Valderramiro" Ribera del Duero

Dark just shy of inky black, still slight shades of ruby on the edges. It is a cornucopia of spices with coffee and blackberry on the nose. Quite reserved at first and then it blossomed nicely.

Surprised at how youthful this wine comes out of the bottle, although I shouldn't be since the grapes are tempranillo from an 85 year young vineyard. For me tempranillo is a grape that always seems to be younger than it is when I drink it. It has an expressiveness and liveliness that is distinct.

This wine in particular starts with a hint of the coffee from the nose and then takes over you entire mouth, with tannins that are noticeable but rich combined with lovely dark berry flavors. The whole experience is a big whoosh of flavor that recedes very slowly with a delightful finish.

I rate this wine a 97. I think it still has many years to go, in fact I may have drunk it a bit young.

WA 98, WS 96 VN 93


WR

1998 Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva

Parker says "earth, cedar, tobacco, spice box, and red currants" which is pretty accurate. Mostly Tempranillo grape, and has aged very nicely. I really like the way this grape can be a very fruit forward vibrant wine or a much more refined wine depending on the winemaker's choices. This bottle with the oak treatment and aging is quite smooth, but still balanced with acid, tannin and fruit. A very nice finish as well with the spice droppig way and leaving a nice currant flavor.

Bought at Beltramo's about a week ago for under $50. Not bad for a well scored wine with ten years of age. Another great thing about the Spanish wines, price.

Back in awhile.

leh

2005 Numanthia Termes

Opened this tonight to sip after getting home from a sushi dinner. A two wine night. Had it with a couple of those single bite candy bars, Baby Ruth and Butterfinger. It was more dry and a bit more acidic than I remember from prior Termes, maybe earlier years. Also the flavor of the grape was musty, not as fruit forward as this grape often displays. I enjoy tempranillo wines or the "Tinto de Toro" as identified by the Numanthia folks. They are very drinkable at any age, go nicely with food (or chocolate in this case) and yet have a distinctive style. They go very nicely with zesty tamales or enchiladas.

Picked this up today at Beltramo's for $23.

Back in awhile.

leh