Opens with creamy oak, dill, vanilla and simple berry aromas. Like the basic Beronia ’08, this crianza is fairly tart and sheer, with scratchy red fruit character and a zesty, almost scouring finish. Will do best with simple, salty foods. 300,000 cases made, so it’s a mass-produced wine.——M.S.(7/1/2011)—— 85

A little richer and slightly more oaked than Beronia's basic '06 Rioja, this crianza has a nice red-fruit character, body weight and plump, friendly flavors of raspberry and red plum. With smooth tannins and vanilla on the finish, it comes across as a classic-style everyday Rioja. Drink now through 2010.——M.S.(11/1/2009)—— 87