I am a big fan of Ribera del Duero as it gives me a more obvious and hedonistic expression of Tempranillo. The estates have adopted the new world approach to winemaking and vineyard management. And in my eyes, the wines are dependably delicious. Bodegas Felix Callejo is all of these descriptors.

Callejo is in its’ fourth generation of growing grapes in Sotillo de la Ribera, the very heart of Ribera del Duero, farming 60 hectares of 25 to 50 year old vines. The Bodegas was founded in 1989 in a step of independence from selling grapes to the local coop. In 1999, they updated the winery with new stainless steel tanks for fermenting and started a regime of introducing new French and American oak for their wines. At 30 years old, Jose Felix Callejo manages the vision of the vineyards and winery and is living his dream.

Yields are limited naturally by the hard continental climate and a poor soil of low fertility. On top of that they practice strict green pruning and selection resulting with an average of only 8 bunches per plant. The vines are planted at almost 2800 feet elevation, some of the highest planted in the region, and don't receive any artificial irrigation. No pesticides or chemical fertilizers are used in the Estate.

At harvest, the grapes are hand harvested into small 30 lb so there is no danger of having the grape skins break and sparking an undesired premature fermentation. The crates are taken directly to the winery, where they go through two triage tables, the second one selecting grape by grape and discarding any imperfect ones. The Crianza is made from vines that are at least 35 years old. After a stainless steel fermentation, the wines is moved into 70% new French oak and 30% American oak for 12 months of aging. After bottling, the wine is put back into the cellar for another year to settle and further develop.

Tasting Notes: This modern red marries cocoa-dusted oak with ripe fruit flavors of blackberry and black cherry, along with the mineral and light earthy notes typical of the region. Well-structured but accessible now. Drink now through 2015. 200 cases imported.