The 2008 Reserva has a lot of creamy French oak on the nose that rather smothers that lush, candied red fruit, although it should integrate with a couple more years in bottle. The palate is sweet and a little cloying on the entry with lush rounded tannins and it seems a little flaccid toward the toffee-tinged finish. I feel that this is not a long-term Reserva. Drink now-2015. In many ways, the portfolio of wines from Pago de los Capellanes epitomize many producers, whereby the most pleasure is found in the mid-range Crianza and Reserva level wines instead of the more expensive single parcel wines, which are prone to excessive oak to allow the terroir to speak and assert their individuality from Ribera del Duero’s other single parcel bottlings that form a chorus line of wines announcing their uniqueness. Importer: Antalva Imports, Los Angeles, CA; tel. (310) 695-6260; www.antalva@earthlink.net and from www.bbr.com in the UK.

This plush red offers ripe plum and blackberry flavors, with notes of toast, mineral and dark chocolate that fill out its frame nicely. The tannins are firm yet well-integrated, and there's enough acidity to keep this lively. Drink now through 2016. 2,250 cases made, 100 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add