The 2010 Arzuaga Reserva Especial is Tempranillo with 5% white Albillo aged for two years in oak barrels. It is oaky with aromas of vanilla and cinnamon, smoked meat and a palate that is dominated by excessively drying and harsh tannins. It is a shame, because the fruit is good and the wine has acidity, but the oak is excessive. This could have been a superb wine. It is not cheap. Drink now-2018. Arzuaga-Navarro offers a parade of very well-crafted, well-oaked commercial wines of great success. The Amaya label feels different, though. Importers: Frederic Wildman Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212)355-0700, www.fredericwildman.com and United Cellars Inc, Doral, FL; tel. (305) 591-1416

The 2009 Arzuaga Especial Reserva is a blend of 95% Tempranillo and 5% Albillo from 100-year-old vines in Laderas, aged for 24 months in new French oak. There is a decent interplay between the oak and the fruit here, the wood not totally dominating the stage and allowing those old Tempranillo vines to perform. The palate is sweet and ripe with good acidity but the more this wine stays in the mouth, the more the oak dominates and while offering pleasure, says little about what I am certain is interesting, propitious terroir. Drink 2014-2020. Bodegas Arzuarga Navarro was founded by Florentino Arzuarga in 1993. They offer a reliable portfolio of Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reservas that are perhaps a little too polished and occasionally fall into the trap of relying on excessive French oak. However, I found them to be cleanly made. Only the Crianza is imported into the United States, although I found the time to taste all their current releases. Importer: This was being imported by Fine Wine Imports, but I was informed that this has recently ceased.

The 2008 Azuaga Especial Reserva offers baked cherry, cassis and cedar on the nose, although the oak looms ominously in the background. The palate is medium-bodied but there is some dryness on the finish due to the excessive length in wood. Drink now-2015. Bodegas Arzuarga Navarro was founded by Florentino Arzuarga in 1993. They offer a reliable portfolio of Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reservas that are perhaps a little too polished and occasionally fall into the trap of relying on excessive French oak. However, I found them to be cleanly made. Only the Crianza is imported into the United States, although I found the time to taste all their current releases. Importer: This was being imported by Fine Wine Imports, but I was informed that this has recently ceased.

Focused and fresh, this modern red bursts with blackberry and berry fruit, framed by vanilla and toasty oak. The tannins are firm and well-integrated. Juicy and vibrant. Drink now through 2014. 800 cases made, 100 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add

This graceful red shows harmonious flavors of dried cherry, tobacco, spice and vanilla. Firm yet fresh. A food-friendly wine in this traditional style. Drink now through 2011. 900 cases made, 75 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Ribera del Duero Select to Add