Black fruit, licorice nibs, fine-grained oak, leather and aged cheese define the bouquet on this juicy, nicely balanced Ribera wine. Comfortable on the palate, with cherry, berry and cassis flavors, and then long on the finish, with herbs, leather and mild oak spice. Drink now through 2011.——M.S.(12/15/2009)—— 88

Full and bold on the bouquet, where grilled meat and leather blend with ripe fruit to create an alluring, inviting whole. Black cherry and raspberry flavors are smooth and serious, while at the core there’s a jammy, syrupy richness that conveys total ripeness. Best from 2008 through 2011.——M.S.(6/1/2007)—— 92

Looking for a mature reserva at a reasonable price? This one boasts aromas of damp soil, cedar, clove and wood, followed by rich flavors of sweet cherries and sauna cedar. Thins out on the finish, so drink now. ——J.C.(11/1/2001)—— 88