This wine has a real ripeness to it, Port qualities come to mind. It retains its Spanish roots with its slightly rustic woodsy notes. Finishes ripe, but dry and structure. Incredible value!

Tremendous value - seems to pair with everything while also being fantastic on its own. At $16.95, Buy it by the case if you can find it.

The Bodegas Balbás Ardal Crianza 2005 was now released for the 3rd time (June26/10, June09/12 and now Feb16/13), I purchased it back in 2010 and kept a case in my cellar. I’ve been watching its evolution and would say that it is drying up and currently fairs 89-90 pts – none the less, still a recommended buy. Tasted July/10 to Jan/13.
Here are my previous ratings.
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I organized a Spanish wine tasting and since most of the wines were unknown to me, I needed one that I knew I could count on - and the one being Ardal Crianza 2005. I have rated it previously, so I will only mention that this time, the dark berries were blackberry and blueberry, my impression was BEAUTIFUL to DIVINE and it received one more point, totaling 92. Also, I decided to purchase several bottles and add it to my collection. Tasted in Sept/10 during Spanish wine tasting. This was the second most liked wine out of the lineup.
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This medium bodied 80% Tempranillo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon blend has intense aromas of integrated to aged dark berries, cedar, leather, vanilla and coconut. The tannins are refined to tannic (decant for at least 30 min) and the finish is long and silky. It can still be kept for the next two or so years, but is best to drink now. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts - a recommended buy. Tasted July/10.

See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:

http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections

or here @

http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy

Very nice wine, good value here
Tasted Aug. 2015

very good