This round red offers ripe plum, vanilla and light tobacco flavors on a plump frame. Clean and fresh, with just enough tannins for grip. Drink now through 2010. 90,000 cases imported. -TM

Bramble and brine are present on the nose, and while 2005 was a very good vintage in Rioja, this wine brings a little less than expected. It’s endowed with snappy red-fruit flavors of strawberry and raspberry, and there’s also vanilla and herbal notes. The feel is dry, medium-bodied and grabby, with a hint of stemmy snap.——M.S.(4/1/2009)—— 86