The 2008 Pagos de la Sonsierra Reserva is pure Tempranillo aged for 16 months in barrel and 26 months in bottle. Tasted twice, this Reserva feels a little overdone on the potent nose with small dark cherries, black currant pastilles and cassis. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and good delineation on the entry. This is not a powerful Rioja, nor is it complex, but it demonstrates better balance than the nose implied, plus it has a pleasing sweet orange peel-tinged finish. This is a competent Rioja that should drink well over the next five or six years. Drink now-2019. Importer: Monsieur Touton Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 255-0674