Friday Sips

A few years back we stumbled across this relatively young Ribera Del Duero Bodega and were instantly impressed with their fresh, lively best-buy Joven Cuvée which has been featured in our 6 for 60 samplers. Of course they do take things upward and today we are featuring the estate's outstanding Crianza which will show you all what this estate is really about! Whereas the Joven is unoaked, the 100% Tempranillo Crianza sees oak-aging and is quite a bit more serious, and a hell of a deal for 17 bucks!

Full-on aromas and flavors of blackberry, balsamic, vanilla and earthy spices are ample, expansive and chock full of character and depth. Hearty and deep, this is a wine to have with a fat Carlton Farms grilled pork chop slathered in fennel and thyme. Drink over the next 5 years.

eofilo Reyes is one of Spain's most renowned, revered and respected winemakers, having over 50 years experience and being best known as winemaker at the famed Ribera el Duero estate of Pesquera. When he retired in 1994, he couldn't stay retired and he and his sons started up Bodegas Reyes. Instantly these wines became quite the Spanish wine darlings, especially given their prime neighborhood and the guys haven't looked back since. 2009 is a killer vintage for the great growing region of Ribera del Duero and the Reyes's version delivers mightily.

100% old vine Tempranillo, the depth and old-vine intensity is seen in this wine from its deep opaque color to the long complex finish. Rich and deep aromas of black cherry, cinnamon, eucalyptus, strawberry jam and dusty hot earth. Lush and meaty with a long compact finish that is stuffed with fruit, this luxurious red can be drunk now, but will certainly develop through 2020+. If big, full, smooth Tempranillo is your thing, get in here and taste it today (3-1-2013)!

Another youngster in the Ribera Del Duero region with more than a bright future, Juan Manuel Burgos estate is located on the eastern edge of this vast appellation. JuanMa's Roble is one that's meant for earlier consumption and is made from the estate's younger vines and aged 6 months in oak barrels. Like the previous two wines, this is made with all Tempranillo (tinta del país in the Duero) and offers a glimpse of what this luxurious region has to offer.

Made in an early-drinking style this brassy red delivers raspberry, balsam, and spiced earth aromas that flow into a texture that is vibrant, supple and full of character. Plenty of persistence and nice snap-back, this is a delicious everyday red from an upscale region.