Spain

R.P. 98 pts.

The 2005 La Vina de Andres Romeo is a bit more brooding and backward. Opaque purple/black, it has an alluring nose of toasty oak, pencil lead, scorched earth, espresso, truffle, and blackberry.

R.P. 94 pts.

With scents of dark cherry, Indian ink, wild strawberry and a touch of raspberry preserve, all with fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with a sweet core of red berry fruit. The tannins are strong and quite robust, although it is counterbalanced by plenty of fresh red fruit mingling with dried herbs, white pepper and a touch of sage.

R.P. 90 pts.

Enologist Gioia Cresti's 2012 Do Ut Des is a Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in equal parts. This is a heavily oak-driven wine with spicy notes of cinnamon and crushed clove that segue to black fruit, prune, crushed mineral, pencil shavings and Graham cracker.

R.P. 95 pts.

It's developed but it keeps some fruit character, plenty of spices and balsamic aromas. The palate is polished but has some clout, with clean, focused flavors and a long, spicy and tasty finish. This represents good value for the quality it delivers.

This wine is the essence of unique vintages and vineyards. It is born from inspiration and grows with each new sensation that produces in senses. It has aged 24 months in new french oak barrels and it has been not filtrated or clarificated process.

R.P. 92 pts.

The 2007 Valbuena is rounded and warmer than the 2006 with lush dark berry fruits interlaced with scents of espresso and bay leaf. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, crisp acidity with a composed, focused finish of black cherries, raspberry, cedar and mocha.

R.P. 94 pts.

The 2008 Valbuena is produced with Tempranillo and 7% Merlot and Malbec from a cold, rainy season and late harvest. It reminds me of the Riberas of yesteryear, sharper with a slight rusticity, long and sharp.