The 2001 Baron de Chirel Reserva is composed of 80% Tempranillo with the balance an assortment of other varietals selected from the estate’s older vineyards with lower yields. The wine was oak aged for 21 months. The color is a dark ruby/purple and the nose, with coaxing, gives up aromas of earth and oak, but the fruit is muted. On the palate, the wine is firm and somewhat hard in the finish. There is fruit present (it is after all the 2001 vintage) but whether it will ever play a prominent role remains to be seen. Importer: Cornerstone Communications, New York, NY; tel. (212) 605-0371

Fresh and clean, this red shows dark flavors of black cherry, chocolate and smoke, with a food-friendly balance of light tannin and crisp acidity. Drink now through 2008. 10,000 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

Dark violet in color, with plenty of wood smoke and earth to the nose, which also offers tobacco and mushroom. Dynamic on the palate, with ripe cherry and blackberry flavors. Sort of airy on the finish, with mocha and chocolate. Hefty throughout, with nice tannins. From Marques de Riscal. Imported by Shaw-Ross International Importers. ——M.S.(10/1/2005)—— 91