A great wine. An archetype of what makes Rioja unique: harmonious American oak, stylish oxidative development, fresh balance and a long finish.

The 2005 Vina Arana Reserva has a fresh bouquet of orange blossom, quince, violets and dark cherries. The palate is succulent on the entry with vivacious maraschino cherry, red currant and blood orange. It displays a very fine build and a silky smooth texture that segues to a poised, minttinged, bright and animated finish. Drink now until 2020.

Smoke, cedar and tobacco aromas show enticing maturity in this smooth, harmonious red, with dried cherry, orange peel and spicy flavors displaying a traditional character. This wine is plump and still fresh, with a lingering, spicy finish. Drink now through 2020.

Bright ruby. Sexy, oakspiced red fruit and floral pastille aromas are complemented by deeperpitched notes of espresso and licorice. Juicy, penetrating and spicy on the palate, offering vibrant raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a building vanilla nuance. Supple tannins give shape to the finish, which features lively red fruit and spicecake flavors. This suave wine is delicious now but balanced to age.