The 2008 Reserva is classical in all senses, starting with the blend of 90% Tempranillo and 5% each of Mazuelo and Graciano, followed by its color, aroma and palate. It's bright cherry-colored, with aromas of red fruits intermixed with notes of leather, truffles and smoked meat, and a juicy, supple palate with good acidity and good length. This is a great Reserva and very good value. Drink now-2019. Ramon Bilbao is one of the classical names from Haro, where the winery was founded back in 1924 and that remained in the family until sold in 1972 and again in 1999 to the current owners, the Diego Zamora family, who own one of the largest drinks companies in Spain. They make the popular Licor 43, and own wineries in other appellations throughout Spain: Mar de Frades in Rias Baixas, Palacio de la Vega en Navarra and others in Ribera del Duero and Rueda. I found the average quality of the Ramon Bilbao quite impressive, especially for the volumes they produce (4 million bottles). The wines are well-crafted, clean, accessible, sensibly priced and true to their origins. No wonder they are very popular on the local market. I-m very happy to see the quality going up and would like to congratulate winemaker Rodolfo Bastida for such a good job. The Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva are fermented in inox and carry out their malolactic in cement vats. The more modern wines, Edicion Limitada, Vinedos de Altura and Mirto, are fermented in French oak vats and their malolactic takes place in barrel. Imported by Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, White Plains, NY; tel. (914) 251-9463; www.deutschfamily.com