This light red offers delicate flavors of berry, vanilla and cedar, with just enough tannin for grip. Drink now.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

This lighter-styled, mature Rioja shows just a hint of brown at the edges. An initial light sweaty note blows off quickly, revealing appealing dried cherry, spice and wood aromas and flavors, and an elegant, balanced mouthfeel. Tannins are mostly resolved, drink now–2005. —M.M.——M.M.(9/1/2002)—— 87

Though stewed fruit and herb aromas on the nose are rather expressive, the palate flavors are much harder to read. Vague bits of cherry and smoke pop up in the midpalate, with some hard cheese on the finish. It would have fared better had its pleasing components sung a little more loudly. —D.M. ——D.T.(4/1/2003)—— 85