Spanish Wine between $25 and $50

Dark cherry red color. Intense nose of ripe fruits (cassis) and confit fruit mixed with sensations of toasted coffee and licorice which bring finesse and elegance. Strength, flesh, savory and opulence combine in the palate of this wine that little by little develops in the bottle.

"The 2004 Vina Ardanza is a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha from 30-year-old vines in Fuenmayor and Cenicero. It is aged for 36 months in four-year-old American oak. It has a very enticing bouquet with dark cherry, Christmas cake, dried fig and espresso with fine delineation and bags of exuberance. The palate is medium-bodied with taut tannins, underpinned by a keen citric thread that cuts through the licorice-tinged, dark berry and allspice-tinged fruit with style. It is simply delicious on the bittersweet finish. Drink now-2020 " -- 93 pts, Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate

This expressive red offers blackberry, chocolate, toast and mineral notes, with firm, well-integrated tannins supporting a plush texture. Ripe yet focused, in the modern style. Drink now through 2017.