1999 Bodega Numanthia Toro Numanthia, Spain, Wine Review

Vintage: 
1999
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A

This is drinking quite well and youthfully at age 20.  Purple in color, no signs of bricking.  On the nose there is spice, cherries and funk/barnyard.  Still has reasonably firm tannins on the palate.  This is deep and complex with slightly jammy black cherry fruit. It is a bit drying on the finish.  Overall, this is delicious and seems more like a five to seven year old wine.  Should have no problem lasting another decade.  It is a big wine and will need bigger food to pair with it.  

2013 Aster Ribera del Duero Crianza, Spain, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2013
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$18.00USD

I bought this on the recommendation of Wes at the local wine store.  Good call.  It was my tasting group's WOTN (#2 for me).  And for $25, a pretty good value.  Closer to $18 for those in other states with less restrictive laws.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose is initially tight but opens with air.  Cherries and some dark cherries with a nice dusty quality.  On the palate, this has a juicy and lush texture.  Medium tannins.  Plenty of black cherry fruit.  Good finish.  A bit more modern in style but not full blown.  This works on its own and will work well at the table too.  

2015 Bodegas Obalo Rioja Crianza, Spain, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2015
Score: 
89
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$16.00USD

This is a very modern take on Rioja.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose is tight.  With air it shows black cherries and black raspberries.  Also some spice.  On the palate, this is deep and delicious.  Firm tannins.  Bright black cherry fruit.  Blind, I would have probably guessed California Grenache.  Still, it is delicious and inexpensive (under $20).  It would make a great party wine.  Not sure how well this will age.  It might be fun to lay a bottle or two down.  

2007 La Rioja Alta Rioja Viña Ardanza Reserva, Spain, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2007
Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+
Current Price: 
$30.00USD

Ruby in color with slight browning.  The nose has spice, clay and cherries.  It also has a ton of dill which was off putting to some.  The dill does carry thru to the palate, so be warned if that is a sensitivity.  Others liked it.  Firm tannins.  Nice black cherry fruit.  Good balance.  Works better with food than alone.  Pretty classic Rioja in style.  

2014 Bodegas Emilio Moro Ribera del Duero Malleolus, Spain, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$40.00USD

From one of my personal favorite wineries of Ribera del Duero.  Inky purple in color.  The nose has cherries and a slight bell pepper note.  Also some spice.  On the palate, nice black cherry fruit.  Very tannic and youthful.  Good balance.  It needs time and air.  More modern in style.  Needs bigger foods.  Should last a decade more with ease.  At one time, these bottlings cost over $100, so shop around.  A quick perusal sees pricing from $38 to $70.  In this particular blind tasting of Tempranillo's, this was my WOTN.  

2011 Bodegas Consejo de la Alta Rioja Cata De Consejero, Spain, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2011
Score: 
87
Grade: 
B+
Current Price: 
$33.00USD

Ruby in color, slight browning.  The nose has dusty cherries with slight dill notes and some vanilla.  On the palate, this has tart acidity.  Tart cherries.  It works though as it wakes up the palate.  It really demands some food but should work with a wide variety.  Good finish.  Plan on drinking in the next five years or so.  

2014 Bodegas Alejandro Fernández Ribera del Duero Tinto Pesquera Crianza, Spain, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
87
Grade: 
B+
Current Price: 
$33.00USD

Purple in color, magenta at the rim.  The nose has nice cherry fruit along with some dill.  Also dusty.  It did take some time to open.  On the palate, this has bright cherry fruit.  Not a ton of depth at this point.  Lighter tannins.  Good balance and acidity.  This will work well at most dinner tables if the price is within one's budget for an "everyday" type of wine.  Very classic and old-school in style.  

2005 Marqués de Vitoria Rioja Reserva, Spain, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2005
Score: 
87
Grade: 
B+
Current Price: 
$30.00USD

Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose has a lot of barnyard on it.  It does partially blow off with air.  There is also some pine which is both interesting and distracting.  And finally, some nice cherry fruit.  On the palate, there is some cherry fruit, both fresh and dried.  Some pine carries thru as does some barnyard.  Slight but drying tannins.  The group I was tasting with liked this more than I did.  It did get better with air as the night went on.  Certainly a nice wine and worth drinking.  Food friendly.  

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