The 2008 Vizcarra Torralvo spent 14 months in 50% new French oak. Exotic spices, incense, lavender, licorice, and assorted black fruits compose the bouquet of this elegant, finesse-styled Tempranillo. On the palate it reveals vibrant acidity, plenty of ripe tannin, and 4-6 years of aging potential. This impeccably balanced effort will deliver prime drinking from 2015 to 2023+.Bodegas Vizcarra Ramos is staking a claim as one of the finest estates in Ribera del Duero. As a postscript, the importer presented the 2008 Ines Vizcarra and the 2008 Celia Vizcarra which were previously reviewed in my Focus on Ribera del Duero report in 2010. The wines are evolving nicely; purchasers should continue to be patient.Importer:Ole Imports, New Rochelle, NY; www.oleimports.com

The 2006 Torralvo spent 14 months in French oak. A saturated purple in color, it exhibits an alluring bouquet of wood smoke, mineral, incense, blackberry, and black cherry. This leads to a dense, full-bodied, brooding wine packed with fruit and tannin. It has all the right stuff but will require 7-10 years of cellaring. It will never be a particularly friendly wine but will provide plenty of “food” for thought. There was hail in Ribera del Duero in 2007 to the extent that Bodegas Vizcarra Ramos did not produce their two top cuvees.

Good solid fruit, but subtle. Tannins powerful, but under control.