BODEGAS BALBÁS ARDAL CRIANZA 2005

Dark in color with a nice nose of red berries and some wood. On the mid pallet the wine has some lovely red berries to match the nose. This wine lives in the finish. It displays some strong tannins, some acidity and some lovely big dryness. This is a big wine, with lots of complexity especially for the price. It can easily hold it’s own against some big meals. On it’s own without food the acidity is fairly strong, some age or breathing would ease this. I would give it an 89-90. Yumm (of you like tempranillos and if you like big wines!). Wimps need not apply 🙂

From LCBO web site:
BODEGAS BALBÁS ARDAL CRIANZA 2005 VINTAGES 167601 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 16.95
Made in: Ribera Del Duero, Spain By: Bodegas Alitus
Release Date: Feb 16, 2013
14.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 5 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Description
The wine is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy it with a thick barbecued porterhouse steak.

Tasting Note
Smoky and earthy notes frame black cherry and boysenberry flavors in this fresh, firm red. There’s plenty of sweet vanilla, but enough fruit and acidity to balance. Lively and polished. Drink now through 2013. Score – 90. (Thomas Matthews, winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2009)