Legaris Ribera del Duero Crianza

Wine is clearly past it's time. Faint dark fruit bouquet more of a memory of something that use to be there. Dull and flat dark fruit quickly disappears into a flash of alcohol and a finish that fizzles out quickly, alone and unbalanced. I can imagine this wine may have been a pleasant experience 4-5 years ago and would try a more youthful sibling but If you have one left, save it for that party where a fourth, fifth or …

Not a big fan of this bottle. Opened about an hour before serving. Nose was a bit closed in, initial flavors were a bit flat in the mid-range. Some tannin in the initial flavors and finish. Relatively short finish. Initially found this wine to be less than pleasant, but it did get somewhat better over time. Since this is the first bottle of this I have tried, I am withholding judgment. N.R.

2011 Wine Bloggers Conference International Tasting (Omni Hotel, Charlottesville, Virginia) : Oak, ripe plum, berry, anise nose; intense, anise, berry, ripe plum palate; medium-plus finish 87+ points

Intense and elegant Ribera that maintains great typicity from Peñafiel area. Some lovely notes of black fruits and light toast on the nose. Ample and impressive balance, good volume, lingering through the palate. Drink through 2013.