The 2001 Reserva Vina Arana has an aged appearance, medium ruby in color with a brick rim. The aromas also reveal some aged character with notes of forest floor and mushroom as well as cedar and spicy red fruits. On the palate the wine is elegant, supple, and silky but in need of a bit more concentration. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. La Rioja Alta continues to be one of the benchmarks for traditionally produced Rioja. What the wines may lack in power, they make up for in finesse and complexity. The winery has just released its first “modern-styled” Rioja, called Marques de Haro, and it is a success.Importer: Christopher Cannan, Europvin; www.riojalta.com