Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva, 2011

Rioja Reservas and Gran Reservas spend more time in the barrel than Crianzas, and they also come from older, better sited vineyards. This Reserva from Marques de Riscal is showing its class. It has the depth and flavor interest that I remember from Riojas I had in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The fruit is strong enough to overshadow the trademark oak qualities. I ordered a glass of this on Wednesday, a full bottle on Thursday. No disappointment. At $15 or less, an excellent value.