2009 Rioja Reserva

(95% tempranillo and 5% graciano): Brilliant ruby. Smoky cherry and blackberry aromas are complemented by pipe tobacco, vanilla and cedary oak. Ripe dark fruit flavors show very good focus, with zesty acidity adding lift and spine. Smooth and appealingly sweet on the very long spice- and mineral-tinged finish, which is shaped by fine-grained tannins.