The Spanish Institute For Foreign Trade (ICEX) and the Spanish Embassy in Manila had a one day tasting of wineries doing a tour of Asia. Lots of wine with over twenty wineries represented. I took notes on lots of them but these were the ones that stood out.
Bodega Hijos de Antonio Polo Pagos de Penafiel Vendimia Seleccionada 2005 - Beautiful aromas of ripe berries. Rich wine with sweet, ripe plums. Lovely balance and already very attractive to drink. Exceptionally long finish. This wine just comes together so nicely in the mouth. From Ribera del Duero. Outstanding.
The wines of Bodega Elias Mora:
Vinas Elias Mora Roble 2007 - Easy, fruity. Nice. 5 months in American oak.
Elias Mora Crianza 2006 - Tannic, concentrated. Serious stuff with deep flavors. Very good. 12 months in American and French oak.
Gran Elias Mora Seleccion 2005 - Big wine, cinammon and other sweet spices. Tight and in need of serious decant time but very impressive. 17 months in French oak. Produced only in the best years.
2V Premium Seleccion 2005 - 2V means Dos Veces or Two Times, which is the oak treatment this gets. First in new oak, then older barrels, with a total of 18 months. Despite all that oak, the wood is totally integrated and is practically invisible. Produced only in the best years. Rich, concentrated, powerful, graphite, packed with fruit, spicy. Great balance - the whole is completely integrated despite the power. A profound wine with authority but one which isn't brash or loud. This needs serious aging but will be a very great wine when it comes around. Fabulous, superlative stuff.
All the wines of Bodega Elias Mora are worth seeking out.
Bodegas Tradicion Pedro Ximenez VOS - Thick, dark, viscous. Pours like maple syrup. Very intense raisins. Figs. Brown sugar. Coconut jam. Excellent balance. Not cloying at all and very smooth. The raisiny finish is extremely long. An outstanding PX.
I also tried this Bodega's Palo Cortado, Amontillado and Oloroso. All VORS or over 30 years old. All of them were very good.