2004 Bodegas Viyuela Crianza Ribera Del Duero (Previously $20)

Rich and aromatic with an interesting chocolate component.

'Desde el corazón'. From the heart of Ribera del Duero in Boada de Roa, an area once founded as a monastery in the 10th century, Bodegas Viyuela is a modern, efficient winery dedicated to crafting wines that evince the powerful, robust temperament of the famous wine-growing region. Made with 100% Tinto Fino (the regional name for Tempranillo) from old vines ranging from 20 to 60 years and matured in French and American oak for 16 months, the Viyuela Crianza is a relatively youthful wine with expressive layers of deeply-colored, ripe fruit and textural tannins, balanced by fine acidity. When I served this delicious wine for a few friends during a hearty meal of Cuban black beans, rice and roasted pork, it quickly disappeared. Go tell....

This wine is simply delicious! Deep inky color, loads of dried figs and chocolate, and a meaty, almost roast-beef note. All of that with a mushroom and forest floor frame, and great acidity, just to tell us this is Spain! Try with Merguez or Chorizo sausages, roast pork, lamb, beef potpie, moussaka, salt cod fritters, squid.

Is that big American oak in your pants or are you just another crass Tempranillo? 82