2004 Dominio de Tares "Bembibre" Bierzo

93 points, an "Editors' Choice" and wine #81 on the Wine Enthusiast "Top 100": "This blend of six vineyards is great. It’s dense and full of minerality, finely polished leather and pure berry aromas. The palate sings a melodious tune that begins with creamy oaky notes and expands to more defined plum, vanilla and fine herb flavors. The ’04 Bembibre is a rounder, more complete version than the impressive but more austere 2002 (the last Bembibre we reviewed). It is immediately pleasing and keeps you on the hook to the end." (11/1/2007) 92 points from Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Deep ruby. Intense aromas of vanilla, baking spices, graphite, blackcurrant and cherry liqueur, with accents of white pepper, espresso and violet. Bright and racy on the palate, with finely etched blackberry and cassis flavors enlivened by tangy acids and notes of bitter chocolate and pepper. A concentrated, youthfully taut and highly promising wine, finishing with lingering sweetness and a suave floral element. Hold off on opening this for at least a year or two." (Sept/Oct '06) 91 points from Wine Spectator: "Elegant and intense. This perfumed, finely etched red offers berry, wild herb and wet stone notes that are lively and harmonious, with plenty of structure to back them up. The long, floral finish brings you back for another sip. Drink now through 2014. 4,000 cases made." (11/07)