Ruby-red. Suave raspberry and cherry aromas are underscored by gentle espresso and dark chocolate, with a musky underbrush quality adding complexity. A silky midweight, displaying energetic red berry and candied licorice flavors. Firms up on the juicy, spicy finish, which demonstrates impressive length and purity, not to mention elegance. Incidentally, the 2003 is almost equally poised right now-no small feat from that hot vintage.

Rating for Spain-Vinos de la Tierra (VdlT)-Ribera del Duero: 95 (excellent)<br/><br/>Drinkability: young, aging quickly, could be good now<br/>