The 2008 J.C. Vizcarra, from a moderately challenging vintage, was the recipient of all the juice that would have gone into the estate’s upper-tier wines. It was aged for 15 months in 50% new French and American oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it displays an expressive bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, Asian spices, lavender, and blackberry. Ripe, succulent, and structured, it has 2-3 years of aging potential and will provide prime drinking from 2012 to 2020. It is a great value in serious red wine. There was hail in Ribera del Duero in 2007 to the extent that Bodegas Vizcarra Ramos did not produce their two top cuvees.

Juicy cherry and cranberry flavors give this supple red some snap. Medium-bodied, with modest tannins and lively acidity. Vibrant. Drink now through 2013. 3,000 cases made, 750 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add