The 2011 Vendimia is an equal blend of Garnacha and Tempranillo from four parcels around the village of Alfaro, and it is aged for five months in foudres and barrels. It has a fresh, floral bouquet with dark cherry and blueberry fruit that offers commercial appeal. The palate is supple and rounded on the entry with bright cassis fruit and a svelte, satisfying finish that coats the mouth. Ten dollars?? Yes, please. Drink now-2014. Based in Alfaro in Rioja Baja, Bodegas Palacios Remondo is where Alvaro Palacios wields his talent when not in Priorat (or elsewhere). Given his exacting standards there, it is unsurprising that he has sought to decrease production in order to improve quality. It is also unsurprising that these form an excellent set of Rioja wines, sculpted in a more modern style, although to be truly honest, I found his cheaper wines just as good, if not better than the flagship Propiedad! Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners, www.foliowine.com

A light, juicy red, this offers straightforward cherry and berry flavors, with notes of herb and orange peel. Balanced, fresh and lively. Drink now. 7,500 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add