Round and smooth, this savory red offers cedar and tobacco notes that frame the plum and dried herb flavors. Shows a touch of earth on the firm finish. Drink now through 2016. 5,000 cases made, 300 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

Cherry, dried herb and smoky flavors mingle with sanguine and mineral notes in this savory red. Delivers a supple texture, showing enough tannins for structure. Harmonious. Drink now through 2018. 3,500 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

Red fruit, caramel,leather, well-judged oak, tar and ripe honeysuckle perfume. Crisp,lip-smacking fruit and hints of almond on the wood. Smooth and drinkable. Drink from 2012. Alc: 13%. (15.6 points)

Viña Ijalba planted its first vines in 1975, on infertile land initially used for opencast mining. Not the most romantic of background stories, but the wines are more evocative. This has power and precision, wtih uplifting blackberry and blueberry fruit, decorated by mint and floral notes. There''s a lick of oak on the finish, partnered by some spiced strawberry fruit.