The 2004 vintage was a great one in Rioja (as it was in the rest of Spain). The 2004 Roda I Reserva is purple-colored with an expressive, youthful bouquet of wood smoke, espresso, incense, tobacco, black cherry, and blackberry. Structured on the palate, it has enough ripe tannin to evolve for another 6-8 years. Sweetly fruited, it has superior depth and concentration, layered savory flavors, and a lengthy, pure finish. Its drinking window will extend from 2015 to 2034. Bodegas Roda is a family-owned winery in Rioja that was founded in 1987. The winery was completed in 1991, and the first commercial vintage was 1992. Three tiers of wine have been produced, Roda, Roda I, and Cirsion, all from the estate’s 17 parcels of vines, each of which is vinified separately. No wine is made from vines less than 30 years of age. Roda I focuses on the dark fruit side of the spectrum, while Cirsion is a selection of the best vines within 4 of the 17 blocks. This luxury cuvee is produced only in good years; 2002 was not produced, and 2008 will be skipped over as well. Beginning with the 2008 vintage, Roda will be releasing an as yet to be named entry-level wine designed to be more forward and appealing to younger wine drinkers. A barrel sample was very pleasant and is likely to sell for under $20. In addition, Roda has begun a project in Ribera del Duero. I tasted barrel samples of 2008 and 2009 of this yet to be named wine, and they revealed plenty of promise.Importer: Kobrand, New York, NY; tel. (914) 253-7700