This was an impressive barrel sample when tasted last year, and the bottled wine has turned out to be even better. The gorgeous 2001 Pago de Santa Cruz (100% old vine Tempranillo) boasts a dense ruby/purple color and copious quantities of spicy oak as well as impressive depth, texture, and persistence. This tightly-knit Tempranillo requires 1-2 more years of bottle age, and should evolve beautifully for 10-12+ years. Importer: Andre Tamers, De Maison Selections Inc., Chapel Hill, NC; tel. (919) 933-4245

Black cherry and plum fruit flavors are edging into spice, tobacco and licorice in this maturing, traditional red. Balanced, with an expressive finish of mineral and spice. Drink now through 2012. 350 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add