This fruit-driven red offers blackberry compote, dark chocolate, licorice and blood orange flavors, with juicy acidity and light, firm tannins. An expressive, modern style. Drink now through 2018. 10,000 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

Black cherry and blackberry flavors are ripe and slightly candied in this round red, backed by dark chocolate and spice notes, with light, grippy tannins and balsamic acidity. Expressive, though not quite harmonious. Drink now through 2018. 225,000 cases made, 40,000 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

This silky red offers balanced flavors of cherry, red plum, tobacco, mineral and smoke. The smooth texture is supported by well-integrated tannins and gentle acidity. Harmonious. Drink now through 2017. 225,000 cases made, 40,000 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

The 2009 Crianza is a pure Tempranillo from vineyards in Haro, Briones, San Vicente and La Bastida, all located in Rioja Alta. It has lively Morello cherry and soy notes on the nose that is well-defined and develops rose petal scents with aeration. The palate is fresh and fleshy with crisp acidity and joyful, red cherry and strawberry fruit on the harmonious finish. This is a very fine Crianza for the price. Drink now-2015. Ramon Bilbao produces a commendable set of well-crafted, modern Rioja wines.Importer: William Deutsch & Sons, White Plains, NY; tel. (914) 251-WINE

There is no Reserva or Gran Reserva in 2007 due to the average quality of the vintage so that fruit made its way in to the 2007 Crianza. It is 100% Tempranillo that spent 13 months in American oak. Aromas of cedar, tobacco, violets, black cherry, and blackberry inform the nose of this medium-bodied, spicy, nicely proportioned Rioja. It is a very good value for drinking over the next 4-5 years. Ramon Bilbao was founded in 1924 and currently produces 300,000 cases of Rioja in a range of styles.Importer: W.J. Deutsch & Sons; www.wjdeutsch.com