$35 – Rioja region, Spain

This is a memorable wine!  I loved Bilbao’s regular 1998 reserve Tempranillo, which I used to pick up at a local grocery store.  I must say, this one is even better.  The nose is soft and inviting, with notes of raspberry and warm wood.  The flavors are even warmer, with red currant and dried cherry leading itself to some subtle tobacco and dusty cacao undertones.  The texture is like suede, and it has a good, long earthy finish in true Rioja style.  I enjoyed this one a lot.  Looking forward to the 2001!   9.2