The 2012 Tinto (100% Tempranillo) spent six months in tank and was then moved to 3-year-old American and French oak barrels for six months prior to bottling. Notes of underbrush, forest floor, blackcurrants and cherries are followed by a medium-bodied red with good purity, texture and light tannin. It should be consumed over the next 3-4 years.

The 2011 Tinto (100% Tempranillo aged six months in tank and six months in 2-3-year-old American and French oak) is a straightforward, dark ruby-colored, medium-bodied wine displaying peppery, meaty, black cherry and black currant notes. There is not a lot of complexity, but the wine offers an attractive mouthfeel as well as an easy-going, quaffing style. Sierra Cantabria, which was founded in 1957, produces a range of Rioja wines, some of which are priced higher than the $25 limit for this report. One of my favorite producers from Jorge Ordonez, their wines are nearly always well-made, and represent terrific value. Importer: Jorge Ordonez Selections,Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767: email:corporate@jorgeordonez.com

The 2010 Tinto is 100% Tempranillo aged in tank and 2- to 3-year-old American and French oak barrels. It is a delicious, dense, big, exuberant, fruity Rioja displaying black currant, black cherry, tobacco and licorice characteristics. Medium-bodied and pure, it is best drunk over the next 2-3 years. One of my favorite wineries in Rioja, Sierra Cantabria is owned by the Eguren family (who also own the Dominio de Eguren estate). Importer: Value Wines from Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA, tel. (781) 461-5767; Fax (781) 461-2570; www.jorgeordonez.com

Sierra Cantabria’s entry-level red, the 2009 Tinto was aged for 6 months in tank followed by 6 months in seasoned oak. Spice box, cedar, incense, violets, and black fruits inform the nose of this savory, easygoing, friendly wine. Nicely proportioned and surprisingly long in the finish, this is an excellent value meant for drinking over the next 4-5 years. Importer:Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates From Spain, Dedham, MA; Tel. (781) 461-5767

No tasting note was given.