The 1998 Monte Real Gran Reserva has en evolved nose with faded aromas of leather, tea and forest floor, and in the palate the fruit is drying out. Drink now. Bodegas Riojanas produced some spectacular vintages of Vina Albina and Monte Real in the old times, and the 1942 Albina remains one of the best Riojas I’ve ever drunk, but unfortunately today’s wines are not at the same level. My favorite was a semi-sweet white that reminded me a little bit of one historical semi-sweet white from Rioja, the 1939 Corona from CVNE. Imported by Bodegas Riojanas USA Corp., Hoboken, NJ; tel. (201) 401-5636