Finally, the 2010 Valderiz Tomas Esteban is produced with the fruit harvested from a family vineyard planted in 1938 with 95% Tempranillo and 5% white Albillo. It feels dark and brooding with aromas of peat, graphite, shoe polish and very ripe currants, hinting on damp earth or wet stones. It is telluric and earthy in a style that reminds me of Priorats or Duero wines, but from the Portuguese side, the Douro. The palate is full-bodied, and the tannins abundant and pointy, so they need time in bottle to calm down. Wait one more year to enjoy this big and bold Ribera del Duero. Drink 2015-2019. Valdemonjas (also known as Lynus) is a small operation based in Quintanilla de Onesimo with vineyards in Quintanilla de Arriba in the province of Valladolid. Importer: Regal Wine Imports, Moorestown, NJ; tel. (856) 985-6388, www.regalwine.com

This polished red delivers plum, licorice, loamy earth and sanguine flavors, supported by firm tannins and balsamic acidity. Austere in character, but balanced and harmonious. Drink now through 2025. 250 cases made, 30 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add