Aromas of vanilla extract, subdued dark fruit and hints of leather. The taste explodes with plum skin and cranberry tartness; medium bodied and laced with mouth-watering acidity. The cranberry lingers well into the finish. This one just begs for a food pairing - try it with tapas on the patio as the leaves begin to fall. Tasted Sept 2012.

Tasted Sept. 2012.

It's back, another good buy perenial favorite. Time to try LAN if you haven't. It's like listening to top 40 at the cottage all weekend long. Its lively, fruity, and so consistent you'll be humming Kelly Clarkson tunes if you're not careful . If you're in a payphone with Maroon 5, call home and say you're picking up 6 of these for Tuesday night tipples.

Burnt garnet color, enticing pepper and dried fruit aroma, then a fairly restrained fruit and tannin mouthfeel. Alcohol noticeable. Fades pretty quickly.

A decent light Rioja for casual tapas, but not a premium example.

Selected by our group leader as a typical dry red.

Simple, medium-bodied Rioja. Oak is noted but not overbearing. Red fruit, vanilla and a bit of spice. Finish is a bit short. Well-made but just an average value. Drink now. Tasted May 2013.

The 2008 Crianza is not as suave and silky as previous vintages. I remember the Lan crianza usually having pinot like qualities...this seemed a bit austere and masculine. The fruit seem a tad poor in quality. I was really hoping to have an old favourite...maybe my palate has changed? Not digging this vintage.