The final selection for Spanish Wine Week is the 4th wine I've looked at in the Bodega y Viñedo Fuentecén portfolio. 
As with the previous three it was produced from fruit sourced in Ribera Del Duero. Hemar's older vineyards at 80 years old are also at an average elevation of 2,730 feet and the soil is quite stony in nature.
The 2005 Hemar Crianza spent 13 months in French oak followed by 9 months in bottle before it was released. As with the other wines I tasted in the Hemar line the Crianza straddles the line of New World fruitiness and Old World Elegance. This wine needs about 30 minutes of breathing time before it's fully ready to come out and play. Once it has had that time though it reveals itself nicely. The nose gives of an earthy mushroom muskiness that puts me in the mind of Burgundian Pinot Noir. The mid-palate is an absolute buffet of dark berry fruit with underlying notes of vanilla and a hint of clove. Hints of subtle dark chocolate hit the back of the throat and tease it with their richness. Hemar Crianza is somewhere between medium and full bodied. It's incredibly rich and full in the mouth but doesn't overwhelm. The finish is long, lingering and well above average. More of the earthiness that was apparent in the nose as well as some peppery notes come out in the finish. The acidity and balance of this wine are perfectly in check. This wine will go well with an assortment of grilled meats and other fairly hearty fare.
Bodega y Viñedo Fuentecén 2005 Crianza retails at just over $30. For that price I feel you'd certainly be getting fair value for your money. This wine is drinking well now. I'd anticipate it to evolve favorably for a couple of years at drink well until at least the end of 2012.
Imported by The Ravensvale Group.
This concludes Spanish Wine Week. Look for Cabernet Sauvignon Week starting on Sunday!
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