2007 Federico Tinto Roble Ribera del Duero

This is not only my early front runner for Ribera del Duero value of the year, but Tempranillo value of the year as well. It is the best Spanish value I sampled in all of 2009, though since I tried it at the end of the year when we had plenty of wine in stock, I knew it would have to wait until 2010. At only 12.5% alcohol, there is a whole lot of flavor and Tempranillo character in this wine, an unbelievable value that should appeal to Spanish wine drinkers and many others as well. If you have heard of the famed Pesquera winery, then you should know that owner Alejandro Fernandez's brother owns Federico. In fact, while the Pesquera name went to Alejandro, the family's terrific, original vineyard holdings all went to Federico. The quality of the wine shows: savory dark cherry flavors show a meaty quality, combined with a spine of stern acidity and effortless balance that I rarely see in young Ribera del Duero at any price, let alone $15. Buy this one by the case; it's ready to drink now but will surely improve for up to five years in the cellar. (Joe Manekin, K&L Spanish wine buyer) According to Stephen Tanezr's International Wine Cellar: "Deep ruby with a bright rim. Cherry, blackberry and vanilla on the nose, with hints of Indian spices and cracked pepper adding complexity. Sweet red and dark berry flavors are braced by tangy minerality. Smooth and very easy to drink, with good finishing sweetness and an echo of spices." (Sept/Oct '09)