Powerful yet graceful, this rich, ripe red delivers blackberry and currant fruit framed by coffee and toasty oak notes. Though thick on the palate, it remains fresh and focused, and the finish is clean and sweet, with floral and mineral grace notes. Drink now through 2012. 1,500 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

LAN’s modern interpretation of Rioja is ripe, fragrant and beefy, with mineral, charcoal, pine and black cherry coating the unctuous nose. Runs a touch soft and plump on the palate, probably a reflection of the hot ’03 vintage. But along the way there’s black plum, licorice, molasses and maple flavors. A big, new-wave wine that has a lot going for it. ——M.S.(11/1/2006)—— 89