A very elegant Rioja that is fragrant and delicate. Black fruit and a hint of chocolate are wrapped around almost silky tannins that extend though the long finish. Delicious now.

Dominant aromas of cedar on the nose with some strawberry sorbet and currant character. Full body, soft tannins and a medium, fresh finish reminiscent of blood oranges.

“This red shows density and balance. The plum, currant, espresso and loamy earth flavors are reserved, but remain harmonious though the spicy, floral finish.”

Bright ruby. Aromas of cherry, redcurrant and vanilla, with a spicy nuance that builds in the glass. Supple and seamless on the palate, offering sweet red fruit flavors that deepen and pick up a smoky quality on the back half. Clings with very good tenacity on the subtly tannic finish, with the spice and vanilla notes echoing.

Even better, more balanced, classical and elegant was the 2010 Reserva, with good balance between fruit freshness and élevage notes. It’s mostly Tempranillo with 10% Graciano matured in barrel for two years. There are notes of incense and cigar ash, baking spices and ripe berries. The palate is medium to full-bodied with sleek tannins and a silky texture. It has very good freshness and balance. Superb Reserva at a very sensible price.

This dense red delivers a mouthful of flavor, with rich notes of plum pudding, baking spices, coffee, and toasty vanilla. The full, plush texture is supported by well-integrated tannins and just enough acidity to stay fresh. A modern style. Drink now through 2022.

A clear step up in freshness and balance…, shows some flower aromas and ripe red and blue fruit fused with spicy aromas from the élevage. The palate is very harmonious with fully resolved tannins and good acidity resulting in a pleasant and tasty finish.

Aromas of orange peel, plum, and wet earth. Yet clean and fresh. Full body, solid core of fruit and a long and focused finish… Very well integrated. Serious red here. Drink or hold.

Plump and polished, this red delivers ripe plum and currant flavors, with coffee, smoke and mineral notes that add a savory character. Well-integrated tannins impart structure. Solid and harmonious. Drink now through 2018.

Displays dark red fruit notes with fresh, toasted oak on the nose with a trace of coconut. On the palate, it is silky smooth with a lovely texture and prominent sweet oak overlaying dark, red fruit. It has sweet, firm, ripe tannins and finishes long and flavorful.

A blue-fruited tempranillo, this wine has held its freshness as it matured into earthy richness. It’s lush and delicious with black cherry flavor and those exotic, blue fruit notes, gentle and soft with the sweetness of candied almonds to contrast its tannic savor. Ready to drink.

The 2007 Reserva is blends of 90% Tempranillo with 10% Graciano, which fermented in small oak vats for 20 days with remontage and then aged for two years in new and second-fill oak barrels. It has a bright nose of red and black fruit, with a slight herbaceous hint. The palate is supple, with good acidity and a pleasant, slightly bitter finish, quite polished with a hint of alcohol, ready to drink. Drink 2014-2017.

Brandied cherry and cassis aromas are candied and gritty, but get better with airing. The wine is full in body and endowed with just enough acidity. Flavors of baked berry are earthy at the core, with accents of chocolate and herbs. A mellow, not overpowering finish is dry and slightly complex. Drink through 2017.

Simple and lush, this wine is bright and juicy up front, then lighter in the finish, with wood tannins and tree-ear mushroom scents. It’s a warm and earthy red for setas.

The 2005 Dinastia Vivanco Reserva is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano aged in 50% new French and American oak for 24 months. Pain grille, pencil lead, Asian spices, incense, lavender, and blackberry aromas are followed by a savory, incipiently complex, structured Reserva made in a traditional Rioja style. Give it 1-2 years of additional cellaring and drink it through 2020, perhaps longer.

This nicely focused, medium-bodied red offers cherry, leaf, tobacco and spice flavors over light, firm tannins. Still fresh, with floral and spice notes on the finish. Drink now through 2014.

The fragrant red fruit of this wine still has verve, while age has polished the tannins to a gentle softness. It’s mature and ready to drink, with subtle jasmine and rose notes lasting in the finish. Delicious with beef brisket.

The 2004 Reserva is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha aged in barrel for 24 months. Dark purple-colored, it displays aromas of cinnamon, sage, underbrush, mineral, black cherry, and blackberry. On the palate it has good depth, ripe flavors, and tannin in the finish. Give it several years to fully blossom at which point it would merit an outstanding rating.