The 2005 Reserva is a blend of 75% Tempranillo with the balance Garnacha, Mazuelo, and other varieties. It spent 23 months in French, Russian, and American oak. The wine has a fragrant nose of balsam wood, violets, mineral, and black cherry. This leads to a medium to full-bodied, firm wine with layers of fruit, savory, spicy flavors and excellent balance. It has 3-5 years of aging potential and will offer prime drinking from 2013 to 2025. Marques de Vargas is a 665 hectare estate located in the Ebro Valley of Rioja Alta. All of their wines are bottled without fining or filtration. Importer: Steve Miles Selections, Denver, CO; tel. (303) 495-3811