*Top 100 of 2016, Highly Recommended* This generous red shows a traditional character, with leafy, dried herb, tea and spice notes framing dried cherry, licorice and leather flavors. Firm tannins and balsamic acidity impart structure, and this shows plenty of depth, with a juicy, spicy finish. (TM)

Brilliant ruby-red. Textbook Rioja scents of cherry, cedary oak, vanilla and candied rose, joined by a smoky nuance that builds in the glass. Sweet and focused on the palate, offering cherry liqueur, vanilla bean, licorice and floral pastille flavors that are lifted and braced by juicy acidity. The smoke and cherry notes echo strongly on the gently tannic finish, which shows excellent clarity and strong persistence. (JR)

The 2010 Cune Gran Reserva is a blend of 85% Tempranillo 10%, Graciano and 5% and Mazuelo, which matured in barrel for two years and in bottle for three. There is more American oak here with sweet spices, some roasted and tar aromas, with hints of leather and less finesse than in other Gran Reserva from the house; Viña Real, Imperial and Contino play in a different league. (LG)