The 2005 Reserva 7 Vinas gets its name from the fact that it uses all 7 permissible Rioja grapes (including the 3 white varieties) although Tempranillo (55%) forms the backbone of the wine. The fruit is all sourced from a single vineyard in Rioja Baja and was aged for 3 years in French and American oak. Its enticing perfume gets a lift from the use of 8% white grapes in the blend. Violets, incense, leather, mineral, and savory black fruit aromas and flavors lead to a layered, dense, full-flavored wine with impeccable balance and plenty of volume. Already complex, it will add further nuance with another 5-7 years of bottle age. It is a worthy successor to the outstanding wines made in 2001 and 2004, the first 2 years of this unique cuvee. Importer: Frederick Wildman & Sons, New York, NY; Tel. (202) 355-0700

Licorice, smoke and mineral notes accent a vibrant core of black cherry and blackberry fruit in this firm, focused red, which is medium-bodied, but shows impressive drive. Still fresh, too. Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuela and Viura. Drink now through 2020.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

Dense from the start, with ripe berry, plum and a pinch of lemon peel on a studly bouquet. This is a healthy, vibrant, modern wine with lots of life and balance; it’s drinkable now and will give toasty black fruit flavors and chocolaty warmth. Or age for up to another five years to gain more subtleties.——M.S.(12/15/2011)—— 92