2005 Bodegas Ismael Arroyo Ribera del Duero Mesoneros de Castilla Crianza

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  4/13/2009, (See more on Garagiste...)

  (MESONEROS Ismael Arroyo) Everyday Dear Friends, Here are a few everyday examples that will brighten up a Monday night and then some - both have perfect provenance and are priced at about the same level as in Madrid. Both wines have now landed - this is not a pre-arrival. Both will be available for local pick up in a few weeks (after May 1st for posting) and will ship this season. ONE SHIPMENT ONLY at this price: 2006 Aventino (Tempranillo/Ribera del Duero) This is one of those "How do they do this for $9.99?" examples - a multiple medal winner in Europe from 100% Ribera Tempranillo, this is the type of wine we seem unable to produce in the US - full of fresh, intense fruit flavor, minerality and little or no wood of any kind. This is not Unico but it's a far cry from the manipulated red wine chemistry experiments (at this price point) that many of our domestic entities seem to create. With the 2006 Aventino you will not find oak chips or enhancers - just the gritty fruit of the vintage (from 80 year old vines) for $9.99. 2005 Mesoneros de Castilla "Roble" (Ismael Arroyo/Ribera del Duero) From 100% Tinta del Pais, this is a terrific way to discover Ribera as the oak is only a marginal player (but the fruit is not). From a property with vines that range from 30-100 years old, this is an absolute steal at this price - a wine that is far more serious and cerebral than the tariff would indicate. Even though this is meant to be consumed in youth, I would still give it 1-2 hours to gobble oxygen as it bobs and weaves over the course of an evening... Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Spain7505 Spain7506