The 2001 "200 Monges" Gran Reserva is raised on 70% American oak and 30% French oak and spends sixty months in bottle. It has a pure bouquet of dark cherry, coconut, a touch of licorice and balsamic, although it feels incredibly backward considering the vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, dry tannins with a tight ball of broody dark fruit. It has good grip and comes across as a more aloof, -distant- Rioja that I am certain will become more approachable with decanting or continued bottle age. This is impressive more than pleasurable, at least at the moment. Drink 2015-2022+. I am thankful that an apoplectic policeman that pulled over our vehicle for a seat belt violation (see introduction) eventually allowed me to continue on my journey to Vinicola Real. That was too minor a transgression to be denied winemaker Miguel Ruiz's excellent wines. He told me that his aim is to produce Reservas and Gran Reservas of great longevity, like his inspiration in Bordeaux. Here, the vines are certified organic. Miguel also has his only personal project: Tierra Antigua (see separate entry) but I will commence with their recently introduced "Urbion" range, where the aim to produce a quality, entry-level Riojas. Importer: Grapes of Spain, Lorton, VA (Monges); The Marfa Group, Texas and HP Selections, NY (Urbion)