The 2009 Gran Vino Pontac de Portiles comes from a 1.5-hectare parcel planted in 1914, fermented in Burgundy barrels and aged in new French oak. It has an impressive intense bouquet of dark plum and wild strawberry fruit that seems to handle that oak in its stride. The palate is full-bodied with fine, saturated tannins and layers of creamy dark berry fruit laced with just the right amount of creamy new oak. The terroir is allowed to permeate through the winemaking here, making this a superb Rioja. Drink now-2020+. Bodegas Luis Alegre is based in the sub-region of Rioja Alavesa. Importer: Vinos Libres Wine Merchants LLC, New York, NY; tel. (646) 389-4078