The 2006 Esencia Tempranillo Crianza has more vigor and fruit intensity on the nose, with fine precision and focus. Black currant and red currant and touches of cold stone develop in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with blackberry and cranberry on the entry, a hint of marmalade and dried orange peel following later. There is good depth – a “solid” Crianza with good structure on the “solid” finish. It is a Crianza that deserved to be partnered with some tapas, as it comes across rather serious on its own. Drink now-2015. The Garcia family founded Bodegas Ovidio Garcia in 1999. On a bitterly cold February afternoon I visited their ancient subterranean cellars, which are over three centuries old and accommodate a gargantuan, 15-meter long Roman press. Here you will find the twelve concrete vats they use to ferment the wine, while on the ground-level sits the stainless steel vats that they intend to use in the future. They eschew the use of pesticides in their vineyards around the village of Cigales. I appreciated these wines for their purity and natural harmony, quite conservative in style at first, strict and focused but often with very satisfying finishes. Importer: Enye Group, Chicago, IL; tel. (312) 876-1200