2012 Bodegas Puelles Crianza Rioja

I have a problem; I cannot decide which Rioja producer I like best: Bodegas Muga, Bodegas Juan de Lemos, or Bodegas Puelles. Regardless of this personal problem, this 2012 Crianza from Puelles is a stunning wine that is produced from mostly estate fruit. Medium-deep ruby in color, the nose offers a red berry, fruit-driven to anise spicy set of qualities with a well-defined slate-like to wet-river-stone minerality. This carries over nicely to a balanced, integrated, viscous, elegant palate presentation, with a solid mid-palate, excellent complexity and components, and a long, deep finish. This Gem drinks really well now but will age another five to ten years. Rusty has ordered me to bring home several cases of this classic Rioja Crianza Gem for near-term consumption (or later). GREAT VALUE! ***** 14.0% ABV *****