This couple of Riberas (a Roble 2000 was there too but frankly poor) was offered for our opinion at the BSS last Friday. Keep an eye on the crianza. This was just short of a blind tasting, as we had never seen the labels in our lives. A local oenologist was with us. He shared our reactions too.
The winery is called Viña Mambrilla, as unpromising a name as ever was bestowed upon a commercial venture, if you ask me.
Alidis Crianza 1999
OK, this is another planet. With a little wrist exercise a frank core of plummy and black berry fruit emerges and stays there, gaining breadth and intensity as the night falls. Mineral notes (that Riberesque "stationery" element of lead pencil and ink), turf and mocha add to a pretty convincing Crianza landscape that made us retry twice before sharing with the others about this little secret. Highly recommended, though it may not be cheaper enough to be worth ordering by the BSS (should retail for 12-15 $) 88-89+
