The 2009 La Montesa is a blend of 65% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo and 5% Mazuelo picked by hand from the namesake vineyard and aged 20% in new oak. It has a well-defined strawberry, Morello and shortcake-scented bouquet infused with fennel and licorice. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, expressive red berry fruit tinged with burnt toast and white pepper, and an elegant, caressing finish that speaks of its place. This is a very commendable Rioja. Drink now-2018. Based in Alfaro in Rioja Baja, Bodegas Palacios Remondo is where Alvaro Palacios wields his talent when not in Priorat (or elsewhere). Given his exacting standards there, it is unsurprising that he has sought to decrease production in order to improve quality. It is also unsurprising that these form an excellent set of Rioja wines, sculpted in a more modern style, although to be truly honest, I found his cheaper wines just as good, if not better than the flagship Propiedad! Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners, www.foliowine.com