HEREDAD DE BAROJA CAUTIVO CRIANZA 2005

When I first started drinking wine, I gravitated towards Spain, and more particularly Rioja. It's been a while since I've tasted anything that I REALLY enjoyed from that region, as it's more of a grab bag between ultra modern New world style wines, and the sleeker old world style. Fortunately, at the Crianza level, these two styles are less opposing then at the Gran Reserva level...anyways, the wine:

Ruby color, medium saturation nice blend and perfume of red berry fruit with a touch of wood on the nose. The red fruits continue on the palate, and there is some smoke and leather with red fruit dominating. Holds it's alcohol level well. Tannins are evident but not strong. Very well integrated, open knit, and a joy to drink.

This wine would make a great match with grilled sausages or even duck, mushrooms with garlic, rabbit, quail, and grilled pork in an assertive herbaceous marinade.

Ageing? I'm inclined to buy several bottles and drink in the short tern i.e. less than 6 months, but it would be interesting to see what this wine would taste like in a year. It's already 5 years old, and pretty much at its peak, as far as I'm concerned.

Information:
HEREDAD DE BAROJA CAUTIVO CRIANZA 2005
CSPC #: 148510
Winner of a Gold Medal at Mundus Vini 2009.
Closure: low to mid quality pressed cork
Alc: 13.6%