The 2008 Mirto is sourced from 70-year vines in Haro, Villaba and San Vicente. It is sorted by hand, fermented in French oak for 28 months with no racking. It has a clean, very pure bouquet with plush dark cherry, cassis and blueberry fruit laced with orange blossom. The oak is neatly encased in the fruit profile. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, good acidity and balance. There is lovely caressing dark plum and cassis fruit towards the composed finish that might have been over-powering and ostentatious in other hands. This is a well-crafted modern style Rioja. Drink now-2018. Ramon Bilbao produces a commendable set of well-crafted, modern Rioja wines. Importer: William Deutsch & Sons, White Plains, NY; tel. (914) 251-WINE

This chewy red delivers dried cherry, licorice, balsamic and smoky flavors over firm tannins. Remains polished and balanced, in an austere style, with good intensity. Drink now through 2018. 12,500 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add