2004 La Rioja Alta Reserva Vina Arana, Rioja (750ml)

Dark red. Deeply pitched cherry and blackcurrant aromas are complemented by smoked meat, licorice and a hint of leather. Chewy, palate-staining dark fruit flavors are slow to unfold, eventually showing a sweet floral pastille quality and a hint of bitter cherry pit. Finishes with solid tannic grip and a lingering note of candied rose. Give this some time. 90 points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Sept/Oct 2010