Valdelosfrailes Prestigio 1999 [Red]
Producer: Bodega Valdelosfrailes
Region: DO Cigales

A neighbor to the better known Ribera del Duero, Cigales is one of Spain's "lost" regions, best known for hard, dry rosés; but is coming into its own as serious producers such as Carlos Moro [Matarromero] begin to make their mark and start to make better use of the region's fine old vine Tempranillo grapes. A fine oak aged red which works well with exotic foods like duck in orange sauce or skate in black butter sauce.

Good dark cherry red color. Blackberry fruit dominates the nose with a nicely integrated note of spicy oakiness. The palate's fruit driven with a clean, balanced oak background, crisp acidity and sharp yet smooth tannins. Nicely balanced, long finish, good all terrain food wine.

[$M]
12 Jul 2001