2006 Bodegas y Viñedos del Jalon Claraval Seleccion Especial Calatayud

92 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Sep/Oct 08: "Deep, bright ruby-red. Sexy raspberry and blackberry preserve aromas are complicated by Asian spices, smoky minerals and fresh flowers. Suave and velvety, with deep, sweet flavors of red and dark berries, cherry-cola and candied rose. Supple tannins supply shape and gentle back-end grip. A very appealing wine: it would be no crime to drink this now." 91 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2006 Claraval was sourced from higher elevation vineyards. Opaque purple-colored, the wine coats the glass. It gives up an alluring aromatic array of wood smoke, mineral, scorched earth, black cherry, black raspberry, and violets. This leads to a medium to full-bodied, layered wine with loads of sweet, spicy dark fruit flavors, ripe tannin, good balance, and a long, pure finish. Give it 2-3 years to blossom and drink it through 2020." (02/08) This is delicious wine from Calatayud's best cooperative. If you have enjoyed the Viña Alarba, then you may be interested to know that the same co-op makes this more serious, oak aged wine. It has terrific red fruited freshness, as well as a sense of restraint and elegance for a garnacha based wine from this rugged, land locked region.