The 2009 Pago de Carraovejas Crianza is from Penafiel and is aged for 12 months in French and American oak. It is sweet, crowd-pleasing nose of ripe black fruit interlaced with espresso and mocha. The palate is very smooth and seductive, yet I would have preferred just a tad more tension toward the opulent, gripping finish. Drink now-2016. Founded in 1988 in Penafiel, Pago de Carraovejas was founded by Jose Maria Ruiz. The former restaurateur released his inaugural vintage in 1993 (the 1991) and they have not looked back since. The wines comes from a single 140 hectare vineyard planted with 75% Tinto Fino and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and the wines are raised in a mixture of American and French oak, a judicious one-third renewed each year. These wines have a lot to offer: well-crafted and full of personality, the judicious use of Bordeaux varieties adds a little je ne sais quoi to the blend. These are well worth seeking out. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228 www.kysela.com

Plum and black cherry flavors are rich and deep in this plush red, accented by smoke and mineral. Generous, yet remains balanced, with a fresh finish. Drink now through 2017. 6,000 cases made, 220 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add