The wines of El Coto de Rioja are traditionally styled. The 2000 Coto de Imaz is 100% Tempranillo and was aged for 14 months in used American oak. Medium ruby-colored, it exhibits a classic Rioja nose of earth, tobacco, cedar, and red currants. The wine is light- to medium-bodied and displays some elegance and decent length. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. Importer: Frederick Wildman, New York, NY; tel. (212) 375-0700

This wine kind of misses the mark. The nose is a bit stewy and less than pure, while the palate seems tight, grabby and herbal. At times it seems like it’s almost where it should be, but then you find weaknesses. ——M.S.(11/1/2006)—— 84