Morello cherry, almond and vanilla flavors give this juicy red a candied character, while citrusy acidity keeps it lively and firm tannins keep it grounded. Drink now through 2024. 3,290 cases made, 100 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

They didn't bottle the 2013, so we tasted the modern 2014 Mirto de Ramón Bilbao, pure Tempranillo selected from old vines that fermented in small oak vats and aged in new French barriques for 22 months. It has good ripeness and a nice balance between fruit and oak, quite spicy and a little smoky, with some notes of toffee (there is a lactic hint), cigar box and underbrush. The palate is tasty, with fine-grained tannins and a soft, caressing texture. A modern, juicy Rioja. 37,325 bottles produced.

One of the icons of modern Rioja, the 2012 Mirto de Ramón Bilbao has the oaky profile of black licorice, graphite, roasted oak (two years in new barriques), toast and peat so common in this style of wines with a core of ripe black fruit. The style is quite predictable, with a powerful palate and abundant tannins, with good freshness. This is very good in its style. You need powerful food and/or patience with it! 36,000 bottles.

With opening to aromas of cold bonfire, cigar ash, roasted nuts, woodsmoke and sweet spices, the modern looking 2010 Mirto is completely dominated by oak aromas, a bit of a cliché for modern-Rioja nowadays. The palate is also completely dominated by wood tannins and has a drying texture making it hard to find the fruit. For fans of oaky reds. 39,000 bottles.