1995 Condado de Haza (Ribera del Duero, Spain) -- from the maker of Pesquera, this is a single vineyard wine made from Tempranillo grapes that used to go into the Pesquera blend, I believe. Time has been very kind to this wine. An immediately expansive nose of berries and mild vanilla follows through to similar flavors on the palate; blackberry, plum, hints of chocolate, espresso, and vanilla highlight some very ripe, sweet fruit, which balances the oak nicely; medium-long finish with no tannins apparent, just lingering fruit. Delicious. I've had 2 bottles in this last month, and I can't imagine this wine improving any more. I regret only having 2 more bottles available. App. 92 pts.

Seaquam,
How ya doing? I've been drinking a lot of that Condada de Haza over the last few years and I used to love it. The last few times I tried it, and I'm not sure what vintage is current, I ordered it by the glass. But, it was so over oaked, I just didn't like it.

Hi, Sir Willy (I giggle whenever say or type that name now ). I don't know exactly what happened, but both Pesquera and Condado de Haza seem to have gone way downhill since the '95 vintage. I had a '97 Pesquera Reserva recently that was decent but underwhelming for the price. My experience with the '98 Pesquera mirrors yours with the Condado: way too much oak for the amount of fruit. Too bad; these used to be good-value wines.

Best to Zack, etc.

Seaquam,
I'm glad it's not just me then! I thought my palate was off. Zach is well and we are pressing off our last bin tomorrow. We have some really nice looking Cab. I look forward to seeing you and the Mrs out here some time to barrell sample!
Silly Willy

Had my last '95 early this year, made me wished I had more.
Still have a '96, I bought a couple more '96s and one was completely off, some issue with corks for this vintage.
A wine to try is Valduero, had an '89 recently and was very good. All of the current vintages I've had('95-on) have been ok.
Pricing for the Valduero is lower than the Condado.

Seaquam,

Here is a link with my TN for the 1996. It also contains a bit of history on Condado.

http://web8.winespectator.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=001891

By the way, I have had the 1999 also and it is not up to the standards of the 1996 vintage but I gave it 90 points. It is selling for $13/bottle here and is a great value.

VM