The great 2004 La Nieta offers up an enthralling, still brooding nose of sandalwood, incense, Asian spices, lavender, truffle, black cherry, and blackberry. It is the densest, richest, most complex La Nieta to date, but for those who can wait a decade, it is only revealing a fraction of its full potential. It admirably reflects the magnitude of the 2004 vintage in Rioja. Vinedos de Paganos, one of the outstanding Rioja estates, is owned by the Eguren family. The El Puntido cuvee comes from the single Tempranillo vineyard of the same name planted in 1975. It is typically aged in new French oak for 18 months before bottling without filtration. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

Cherry, cranberry and baking spice flavors mingle in this lively red. Firm tannins underlie the plush texture, and a crisp citrusy note lingers on the floral and smoky finish. Drink now through 2010. 50 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add