Modern, forward aromas. Red fruits, shoe leather, round and soft. Grainy minerality complexes with stirred red fruits.

The un-oaked Tinto is a fine bargain. It is a 100% Tempranillo offering a deep ruby/purple color, a soft underbelly, big, medium-bodied, fruit-driven mid-palate, and supple tannin. The 2004 reveals slightly more fragrance and up-front fruit than the 2003. It is a delicious red that was bottled early to preserve its fruit. Enjoy it over the next 1-3 years. Importer: Dan Kravitz, Hand Picked Selections, Warrenton, VA; tel. (540) 347-9400.

The 2003 Barrica is a complex wine for the price. A modern-styled Ribera del Duero, it possesses deep black cherry and licorice notes with hints of graphite and spice box. Medium-bodied with supple tannin as well as notions of spicy French and American oak, this delicious, complex 2003 is best consumed over the next 3 years. Importer: Dan Kravitz, Hand Picked Selections, Warrenton, VA; tel. (540) 347-9400.