2003 Bodegas y Vinedos Alion Ribera del Duero
($70) Deep violet. Pungent oak spices accent ripe cherry and plum preserve on the nose, with sweet vanilla and mocha notes to the fore today. Lush and creamy, with ripe dark berry flavors and a strong, building kirsch quality. Weighty and powerful on the broad, sweet finish. Shows the vintage but the ripeness is well managed and there are no rough edges, giving this immediate appeal. (Europvin USA, Oakland, CA)
