Aged 19 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels prior to being bottled unfiltered, the prodigious 2001 Rioja Coleccion Privada (100% Tempranillo from 50 year old vines) boasts a dense ruby/garnet color, and a beautiful nose of sweet red and black currant jam intermixed with cedar wood, spice box, licorice, and toasty new oak. Full-bodied with an opulent texture, admirable purity, and a long finish, it can be enjoyed now and over the next decade. This winery consistently makes the pages of this publication’s best buy section regardless of vintage. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767