2005 Ebano Vinedos y Bodegas 6 Ribera del Duero
($33) Inky purple. Jammy blackberry and cassis aromas are given an exotic turn by vanilla, mocha and candied licorice. Spicy dark berry flavors are seductively sweet and expansive, with a tangy cherry skin note adding refreshment to the finish. Strikes a pleasing balance of ripe dark and tangy red fruits, with good energy and focus.
2004 Ebano Vinedos y Bodegas Crianza Ribera del Duero
($20) Ruby-red. Spiced plum, kirsch, cassis and graphite on the nose, with subtle clove and cinnamon accents. Crisp, focused and pure, with lively red and dark berry flavors complemented by deeper notes of licorice and mocha. This is impressively balanced, with very good concentration and thrust on the finish, along with a lingering mineral tone. (Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA)
