The 2009 LZ is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano from the Alavesa region of Rioja. It was fermented and aged for 4-6 months in cement and stainless steel. Asian spices, violets, blackberry, and mineral notes inform the expressive bouquet. It opens in the glass to reveal savory, smooth, ripe, layered fruit and a pleasure-bent personality. Drink this outstanding value over the next 6 years. The current Telmo Rodriguez collection includes wines produced in eight different DOs, all of them fermented with native yeasts. The fact that quality ranges from excellent to outstanding is a tribute to his talent and attention to detail. Importer: Michael Quinttus, Vintus Importers, Pleasantville, NY

Big and burnt smelling, with charcoal and smoke along with minerality and generic black fruit aromas. Things turn sort of rubbery in the mouth, with chunky blackberry flavors. Finishes with a lactic note along with grabby tannins, weight and rubbery notes.——M.S.(7/1/2011)—— 85