Best of all is the 1870 Marques de Riscal Gran Reserva. Amazingly, it is still a medium ruby color with little age. Aromas of Asian spices, fruit cocktail, balsamic, and floral notes lead to a medium-bodied wine that is impeccably balanced, savory, and elegant. It seems a shame that those involved in its creation are no longer here to enjoy their achievement. Marques de Riscal is one of Rioja’s legendary estates. Here tradition and quality go hand in hand despite the Bodega’s enormous production and a few minor tweaks to update the style. It was my privilege in May 2010 to participate in a vertical tasting of Marques de Riscal Gran Reservas dating back to 1870 at the Bodega. The corks from the ancient vintages were removed with Port tongs to prevent any contamination of the wine. Shaw-Smith Importers, FL