2006 El Nogal

The 2006 Parcela El Nogal is from 30-year-old Tempranillo in Pedrosa de Duero that is aged for 22 months in new French oak. It has a high-toned bouquet of glossy dark cherry fruit that has a slight acetic tincture. The palate is sweet and candied on the entry with supple tannins and a marmalade and orange-essence-infused finish that is pleasant, but is missing some personality or terroir expression. Drink now-2018. In many ways, the portfolio of wines from Pago de los Capellanes epitomize many producers, whereby the most pleasure is found in the mid-range Crianza and Reserva level wines instead of the more expensive single parcel wines, which are prone to excessive oak to allow the terroir to speak and assert their individuality from Ribera del Duero’s other single parcel bottlings that form a chorus line of wines announcing their uniqueness. Importer: Antalva Imports, Los Angeles, CA; tel. (310) 695-6260; www.antalva@earthlink.net and from www.bbr.com in the UK.