This red is dense and muscular, with leather, sanguine and earthy notes framing dried currant, licorice and espresso flavors. Balsamic acidity softens the firm tannins. Shows more concentration than grace, but this remains balanced, in an austere style. Drink now through 2024. 1,700 cases made, 500 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

The 2004 “200 Monges” Gran Reserva is a blend of old-vine, head-pruned 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo aged for 30 months in new oak barrels. It has a dark core with a rim that is moving towards orange, and an oxidative character in the nose, with notes of leather, Chinese ink, licorice, dill, coconut, cedar wood, cigar box and peat. The medium to full-bodied palate shows good intensity of flavor, lively acidity and a slightly drying finish. Drink 2014-2018. I found the Vinicola Real portfolio a little inconsistent with some ripe and too oaky wines. The reds, especially, seemed all very ripe and I found them a little confusing, showing notes of oxidation at first and then getting fresher with air. I tasted the wines twice and followed their evolution once the bottle was opened. Imported by Grapes Of Spain, Lorton, VA; tel. (571) 642-0343; www.grapesofspain.com

The 2001 "200 Monges" Gran Reserva is raised on 70% American oak and 30% French oak and spends sixty months in bottle. It has a pure bouquet of dark cherry, coconut, a touch of licorice and balsamic, although it feels incredibly backward considering the vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, dry tannins with a tight ball of broody dark fruit. It has good grip and comes across as a more aloof, -distant- Rioja that I am certain will become more approachable with decanting or continued bottle age. This is impressive more than pleasurable, at least at the moment. Drink 2015-2022+. I am thankful that an apoplectic policeman that pulled over our vehicle for a seat belt violation (see introduction) eventually allowed me to continue on my journey to Vinicola Real. That was too minor a transgression to be denied winemaker Miguel Ruiz's excellent wines. He told me that his aim is to produce Reservas and Gran Reservas of great longevity, like his inspiration in Bordeaux. Here, the vines are certified organic. Miguel also has his only personal project: Tierra Antigua (see separate entry) but I will commence with their recently introduced "Urbion" range, where the aim to produce a quality, entry-level Riojas. Importer: Grapes of Spain, Lorton, VA (Monges); The Marfa Group, Texas and HP Selections, NY (Urbion)