The 2005 Langaza was matured for 14 in months in large oak and then barriques. It has a quality bouquet of cedar, pencil lead, incense, and blackberry. However, on the palate it has a boatload of hard tannin. Whether it will come into balance remains to be seen but it will take 6-8 years of further cellaring to discover the answer. Importer: Vintus LLC, Pleasantville, NY; tel. (914) 769-3000

Quite well-oaked, which is the house style for Lanzaga. There’s darkness, vanilla, char, leather and a bed of black fruit. The palate has a tight but nice feel to it, with fine tannic structure propping up plum, blackberry and chocolate flavors. Some expected mocha and coffee work the finish, but mostly it closes long and natural. For modern Rioja, this is well built and satisfying.——M.S.(4/1/2009)—— 91