A selection of wines I tasted from bodegas in Castilla y Leon (NW Spain) – apparently none is currently represented in the UK, although I’m sure I’ve seen the excellent Carmelo Rodero wines here – maybe with The Winery?

Ledo .8 Bierzo Crianza 2007
Soft, juicy, fragrant style, has the freshness and grip of Cab Franc but then the smoky attack of meaty, herby Syrah, juicy finish, lots of vigour but not too extreme. Tasty. S-

Bodega del Abad Bierzo ‘Carracedo’ 2006
Rather dumb to start with, with slightly smoky oak – hard to get past this at first, but then opens up to show plush, meaty plummy berry plus a touch of ginger biscuit, ripe but with freshness, lots of power and flesh, supple, inky, long and svelte. S+

Bodega Hiriart Cigales Crianza 2008
Slightly roasted meat/leathery notes, then smoky plummy fruit, big, juicy and bouncy – hairy wine. B+

Bodegas de Blas Serrano Phylos Ribera del Duero 2007
Quite fragrant, almost perfumed Barolo-style, sl spent match freshness, some iron-like minerality, good balance and body, with berry & herb intensity. S(-)

Carmelo Rodero Ribera del Duero Tinto Roble 2009
Vibrant juicy youngster, starts of slightly oaky with chocolate wafer notes, but then that dense dark wild strawberry and bramble fruit takes over, and you’re lift with a classy wine with both richness and freshness. S(-)

Carmelo Rodero Ribera del Duero Crianza 2007
Complete, confident wine, soft, sweet, meaty and very moreish, juicy but still has a fresh stern minerality, as well as wild berry and orange peel flesh and a leesy richness, lovely vibrant style, terrific wine. S+