The 2015 Rioja Reserva, which comes mainly from Rioja Alavesa, has a tightly wound bouquet of broody black fruit, Cuban cigar and black olive. It is not intense, but it is very elegant. The medium-bodied palate is off-dry, marked by fine acidity and plenty of soy-tinged black fruit. With aeration, it develops more depth and cohesion. A sprinkling of white pepper appears toward a beautifully proportioned finish framed by fine tannins. Superb.

Plum, prune and leather aromas set up a lively palate with vibrant acidity. Plum, currant, vanilla and tobacco flavors form a classic Rioja mix, while vanilla, brown sugar and chocolate hints soften the finish.