Friday Sips

Ribera Del Duero is a large region that frankly is one that really needs to be broken up due to the diversity of terroirs within this zone. Even though it is Tempranillo and not ridiculously far from Rioja, the wines couldn’t be more different. Separated by the Sierra de la Demanda mountain range, Rioja is distinctly Atlantic in its profile while Ribera del Duero is full-on, flamboyant Mediterranean sizzle.

A few years back we stumbled across this relatively young Ribera Del Duero Bodega and were instantly impressed with their fresh, lively best-buy Joven Cuvée which has been featured in our 6 for 60 samplers. Of course they do take things upward and today we are featuring the estate's outstanding Crianza which will show you all what this estate is really about! Whereas the Joven is unoaked, the 100% Tempranillo Crianza sees oak-aging and is quite a bit more serious, and a hell of a deal for 17 bucks! Full-on aromas and flavors of blackberry, balsamic, vanilla and earthy spices are ample, expansive and chock full of character and depth. Hearty and deep, this is a wine to have with a fat Carlton Farms grilled pork chop slathered in fennel and thyme. Drink over the next 5 years.

Farmed at 2500 feet in elevation, the shallow crumbly chalk over limestone soils in the vineyards are what drives the wines of Bodegas de Blas Serrano. It also doesn't hurt that the wines are made by Sophie Kuhn who studied in Burgundy and made wine at Château Cheval Blanc in St-Émilion. Blas Serrano's house specialty is this Crianza wine that really gives off way too much complexity and character for such an outstanding price. Made from 100% Tínta del Pais (Ribera Del Duero’s name for Tempranillo), the Crianza is from 50+ year old vines and 14 months in oak.

Flamenco in a glass, this broad red reveals sexy, polished and refined tones of blackberries mashed with strawberry, integrated allspice and coriander followed by subtle espresso tones. In the mouth it is layered and palate-staining with excellent depth and personality. Spreading out nicely in the mouth as it moves from front to back and as it opens, the persistent red and black berry qualities shine through. The finish is suave, poised and really shows excellent persistence. A killer drop of neo-classical Spanish red wine that really cries out for lamb chops. Drink over the next 8-10 years.

While there are no undiscovered wineries in the world, there are certain places that go unnoticed on the world scene. These are the wineries that are one major wine review away from being in the limelight. In Ribera del Duero, Spain the world has come to know the names of Pesquera, Pingus and Alion. These are very good producers, but there are countless numbers of other phenomenal producers throughout this large region that is widely regarded as Spain's chi-chi Tempranillo neighborhood. Sadly, greatness can come with a price, but fortunately for us there are still many fabulous values to be had and this up-and-coming estate is one of them.

Oscar Aragon's Cillar de Silos wines have been a revelation - they are not light and simplistic wines. Rather the robust nature of the fruit is massaged into a structure that seduces the palate, caressing the tongue with an almost velvety texture. The presence of the resulting coolness from the Northeastern Ribera del Duero terroir leads to wines of richness and fullness, with balance and freshness. 100% Tempranillo, Cillar de Silos's Crianza is an absolute steal at this price.

Loaded with classic Ribera aromas of black raspberry, roasted nuts, pepper, smoke, and a touch of sweet spice, there is also great intensity of fruit in the mouth, with plenty of complex game and spice notes. Truth be told, it could still use another year or two in the bottle, but if you decant it, there is an excellent drink-me quality to it. Drink it over the next 10-12 years with prime rib or just about any other sophisticated beef dish.