Polished and supple, this red offers cherry, licorice, herbal and smoky flavors that mingle over light, firm tannins, backed by crisp acidity. Fresh and focused. Drink now through 2024. 17,500 cases made, 750 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

The 2015 Lealtanza Crianza has notes of very ripe fruit, something earthy and animal. The palate is medium-bodied with glossy tannins.

The 2011 Lealtanza Crianza has notes of overripe cherries intermixed with earthy tones. The palate reveals a light- to medium-bodied wine, with round tannins, and no edges. Drink 2014-2015. Lealtanza was created in 1998 and the first wines reached the market in 2002. These are modern wines produced with very ripe fruit. Imported by The Artisan Collection - Quality Wines From Spain, Brooklyn, NY; tel. (718) 596-0722; www.theartisancollection.us

The 2009 Lealtanza Crianza (a bit of a tongue-twister!) is aged for 12 months in French oak. It has an attractive nose of bright red fruit, kirsch, underbrush and orange rind that is well-defined. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins, dark berries laced with cedar and spice leading to a firm, quite masculine finish. It has good length and personality. Drink now-2016. Bodegas Altanza is a relatively recent addition to the Rioja landscape, having been established in 1998. They own around 200 hectares of vine, plus another 50 hectares under contracted vineyards. With respect to their red varieties, they are all 100% Tempranillo. The winery is located just outside the town of Fuenmayor in Rioja Alta, and from the very beginning they have raised their wines through French rather than American oak (which accounts for around 10% of aging vessels). Apart from their top blends, their range utilizes a prudent 15% new oak, i.e. a six-year cycle of barrel usage. You could describe the style of their wines as modern, but with restraint. I will begin with their "Edulis" range, which is sourced from the bodega's own vines and runs parallel to the Lealtanza wines. Edulis is aimed towards a younger generation of wine drinkers and to the off-trade, wines that are easily understandable. Altanza produces two wines aimed at the U.S. market (although they are now also available in Europe). I tasted two wines from the premium "Spanish Artists Collection," which is available in three-packs, each adorned with a different picture of the chosen artist. Importer: F.L. Navarro, The Artisan Collection, Brooklyn, NY; tel. (718) 596-0722

The 2007 Lealtanza Crianza spent 12 months in French and American oak. Cedar, Asian spices, violets, floral notes, and assorted red and black fruits lead to an already complex, relatively forward, nicely proportioned Crianza that that can be enjoyed through 2019 if not longer. As usual, the latest releases from Bodegas Altanza are first class. Importer: F.L. Navarro, The Artisan Collection, Brooklyn, NY; Tel. (718) 596-0722