Opens with jumpy, punchy plum and black cherry aromas that seem a touch candied. It’s big, grabby and tannic on the palate, with sweet plum, blackberry and foxy flavors. Grapey, thick and loaded with fruit.——M.S.(12/15/2011)—— 87

The 2005 Mibal Tinto is an awesome value. Fermented and aged in stainless steel, it exhibits a dark ruby/purple color. The expressive nose delivers notes of smoke and grapy black currants followed by a silky smooth wine with layers of ripe, sweet fruit and no hard edges. This crowd-pleaser should be drunk over the next 12-18 months. A true “garage” Bodegas (the winery is in a garage in the town of Roa), these small production cuvees of 100% Tempranillo are uniformly outstanding. Importer: Patrick Mata, Ole Imports, New Rochelle, NY; tel. (914) 576-6120