The 2007 Reserva is a vineyard selection: a blend of 85% Tempranillo blended with classic Rioja varieties and aged for 18 months in second and third fill barrels, of which 70% are American. It has a well-defined, harmonious nose of mocha, dark cherry, cranberry and cedar that wafts gently from the glass. The palate is very well-balanced with sappy dark berry fruit and crisp acidity. It shows good weight and a supple, pastille-like finish that is pure and silky smooth. This is an accomplished Reserva. Drink now-2025. C.V.N.E. needs absolutely no introduction. It is seen as a bastion of traditional Rioja, and older vintages are revered (even though I myself found some of them rather enervated when tasting in London in 2009). The company owns Contino, which is run independently, as well as Vina Real. Importer: Christopher Cannan. Europvin, www.europvin.com