For an ’07, this shows nice fruit and a direct, honest approach. The nose offers up spice and berry aromas along with some buttery oak, and that creamy woodiness carries onto the palate and blends well with juicy, crisp red fruit flavors that are representative of the vintage and region. Drink now–2014. ——M.S.(10/1/2010)—— 89

Toasty and solid, with cherry, kirsch and herbal aromas. The palate is expressive and clean, with tangy, healthy fruit that shows touches of citrus along with oak and chocolate. Seems a bit buttery on the finish, but the bet here is that it will fade with time. Nicely structured and properly tannic. Drink now through 2007. Imported by Billington Imports.——M.S.(10/1/2005)—— 87

84 Carmelo Rodero 2000 Crianza (Ribera Del Duero); $TK. Strong and oaky, without much finesse to the fast-paced nose and palate. Basic red fruit and sharp-cutting acidity defines the mouth. Rounds out some late in the game, but still it only goes so far. ——M.S.(9/1/2004)—— 84