This modern-styled wine is refreshingly fruity, particularly when tasted alongside dried out, old, woody Riojas. The 1996 Rioja Crianza exhibits lavish quantities of smoky oak as well as prune, plum, and black cherry fruit. Medium-bodied and soft, with tell-tale woodiness, it should be consumed over the next 2-3 years. Importer: CIV, USA, Sacramento, CA

Generous yet still fresh, this maturing red shows ripe plum, raisin, tobacco and cedar flavors, with round tannins and a clean finish. Drink now through 2004. 40,000 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add