3 | Wine | Red Blend, Spain, 91 or higher

"It has a mellow bouquet of dried herbs, terracotta tiles and dusky black fruit that is very well-defined. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin: tart red berried fruit, laced with tobacco and dried herbs on the dry, crisp finish. This is a superb classical Rioja Crianza."

"The 2008 Reserva has dark cherry, cassis and graphite on the nose. The palate has a sappy nose with blackberry, raspberry and a touch of soy towards the finish. The tannins are ripe and quite “thick,” lending the 2008 admirable substance considering the vintage."

"It has a well-defined strawberry, Morello and shortcake-scented bouquet infused with fennel and licorice. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, expressive red berry fruit tinged with burnt toast and white pepper, and an elegant, caressing finish that speaks of its place. This is a very commendable Rioja."

"Glass-staining ruby. Seductive aromas of blackberry and blueberry preserves, cherry-cola and rose, with a sexy incense note and a touch of allspice. Stains the palate with dark berry compote and spicecake flavors, with zesty minerality adding cut. Blends depth and vivacity smoothly, finishing with impressive clarity, a kiss of vanillin oak and lingering sweetness."

"It has a very enticing bouquet with dark cherry, Christmas cake, dried fig and espresso with fine delineation and bags of exuberance. The palate is medium-bodied with taut tannins, underpinned by a keen citric thread that cuts through the licorice-tinged, dark berry and allspice-tinged fruit with style. It is simply delicious on the bittersweet finish."

This wine was named #57 of Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2012.

"This plush red delivers black cherry, licorice, mineral and smoke flavors. Harmonious and focused, supported by well-integrated tannins and firm acidity. Not a showy wine, but has complexity and depth."

"Exotic aromas of raspberry and blackberry preserves, cherry-vanilla, cola, incense and potpourri. Weighty, creamy red and dark berry flavors are sweetened by vanillin oak and enlivened by pepper and spice qualities. The dark berry notes build with air and carry through the long, sweet finish."

"The 2009 Les Terrasses displays a lovely nose of exotic spices, black fruits, and liquid minerals. It offers greater depth, aging potential, and length than the 2008."

"Bright purple. Aromas and flavors of ripe red berries, cola and spicecake, with a deeper note of licorice emerging with air. Lush and seamless, with very good finishing breadth and spicy persistence. Shows plenty of upfront appeal but this wine has the concentration and balance to reward at least mid-term aging."

"Expansive bouquet of musky red and dark berries, medicinal cherry, rose oil and Asian spices. Juicy raspberry and rose pastille flavors are framed by silky tannins and given a boost by zesty minerality. Packs a solid punch but comes off almost weightless. The tannins fade into the sweet fruit on the finish, which is strikingly pure and very persistent. Lovely right now."