This estate in the Rioja Alta is owned by the Bodegas La Rioja Alta. The wine, which is aged in once-used casks that are purchased from Chateau Margaux, is an elegant, impressive, concentrated, new style of Rioja with copious amounts of toasty vanillin from new oak, as well as sweet, black currant and cherry-like flavors presented in a silky-textured, medium-bodied format. This impeccably made wine lingers on the palate, with excellent purity and equilibrium. Already attractive, it promises to last for another decade.Importer: A Christopher Cannan Selection, Europvin USA, Watertown, MA; tel. (617) 924-7620

The 1990 Rioja Reserva reveals more cedar and tobacco notes than the 1991, in addition to pain grille and jammy kirsch and plum-like fruit. This dark garnet-colored wine is medium-bodied, silky, hedonistic, and generous, with no hard edges. This stylish Rioja is meant for near-term consumption.

In a modern-style, with upfront flavors of plum, smoke and chocolate. Tannins are firm, and the wine turns a bit bitter on the finish. Drink now through 1997. 18,000 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add