88
points
Bodegas Imperiales 2006 Abadía de San Quirce Crianza Tinto del Pais (Ribera del Duero)
-
$18
Dark, stocky and full of smoke, cassis and blackberry aromas. The palate is young and tannic, with jammy, meaty black-fruit flavors and some earth. It may be a touch thin in the middle, but with olive, dry plum and texture to the finish, it gets things right.
— M.S.
(11/1/2009)
84
points
Bodegas Imperiales 2005 Finca Helena Tempranillo (Ribera del Duero)
-
$89
Tight, compact and rubbery on the nose, with a mineral, medicinal edge to the black-fruit aromas. Snappy and hard on the cheeks, with midland berry fruit and a scouring, juicy, woody finish. Lots of red fruit but scratchy and a little medicinal.
— M.S.
(12/15/2009)