Legaris Tempranillo Ribera del Duero Crianza 2003

Colour is a dark slightly brickish garnet that is fairly translucent. Nose has raisiny, black cherry, oak forest floor, intimation of plum. Maybe a smidge of coffee in there, and a soupçon of cola. Body is stretching into the medium range. Mid palate has some decent balance and the acid is just right. Finish has moderate length and intensity. It is showing as a little more old worldy than many of the other Spaniards I've tried recently. It is definitely opening up in the decanter and impressing me more with time in the air. I would take a guess that it's probably a little past it's peak at the moment so if you've got some, or are going to buy some, don't sit on it too long. I liked the stoniness that comes in on the transition from midpalate to finish. It seems to like teaming up with a sharp cheddar but medium might be better suited. If you slow down and listen to what this wine is saying you'll appreciate it's candor. It's not shouting out a loud yawp over the rooftops but rather holding a civilized and pleasant conversation that you have to listen carefully to in order to get the message. I wouldn't call it a great value, I think at the moment it's resting on it's 90 point spectator score laurels like an balding middle aged man looking back at his high school football glory. Buy it if you can get a good deal but $30 Canadian seems a little much.

Smooth and rich in taste; of course I drank it with great company and that makes a difference, too.