The 2005 Reserva is medium purple-colored with an excellent nose of cedar, Asian spices, violets, balsamic, and black cherry. Dense and layered on the palate, it is a powerful offering from an excellent vintage that will benefit from another 5-7 years of cellaring and which should drink well through 2030. It is a great value as well as an ideal introduction to traditional Rioja. Marques de Riscal is one of Rioja’s legendary estates. Here tradition and quality go hand in hand despite the Bodega’s enormous production and a few minor tweaks to update the style. It was my privilege in May 2010 to participate in a vertical tasting of Marques de Riscal Gran Reservas dating back to 1870 at the Bodega. The corks from the ancient vintages were removed with Port tongs to prevent any contamination of the wine. Shaw-Smith Importers, FL

Black cherries and sweet vanilla oak. Intense, full bodied iwth a richness of tannins and a long finish.

Textbook Rioja reserva from a legendary label and a top vintage. Smells lightly baked and smooth, with leather, tobacco, raspberry and spice. Feels zesty, clean and pure, with reedy berry, tobacco and leathery baked plum flavors. Savory and smooth on the finish. Drink now through 2014.——M.S.(4/1/2012)—— 90