772 | Wine | What's On Sale, Rioja

"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."

"Pale gold. Suave, floral-accented aromas of candied orchard fruits, orange zest, white flowers and brioche. Pliant and broad on entry, then tighter in the middle, offering gently sweet pear and citrus fruit flavors and a touch of vanilla. Finishes sappy and very long, with lingering spiciness and a hint of anise. This wine delivers outstanding value."

"Deep violet color. Brighter and more lithe than the 2009 version, offering fresh red berry and floral aromas and flavors and showing a touch of youthful jamminess. Lively and focused, with very good back-end clarity and lingering spiciness. Still very young but I find this delicious now."

"The 2001 Imperial Gran Reserva has a more complex, better defined nose than the 2000, with black cherries, spice and Seville orange marmalade. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine tannins cloaked in sweet dark cherry, bitter orange and strawberry fruit. It is lighter on its feet than the 2000, with less persistence, yet it shows greater harmony and tension. This is a fabulous Gran Reserva with enormous weight and dimension."

"It displays an aromatic array of cedar, tobacco, spice box, and black cherry. This is followed by a smooth-textured, savory, elegant offering that can be approached now but will last for another 5-7 years. It, too, is a solid value."

"This delicious, fruit-forward Rioja exhibits plenty of berry fruit and new saddle leather characteristics intermixed with hints of tobacco leaf and licorice. Medium-bodied and fresh, it can be drunk over the next several years." -Robert Parker