Tobía Crianza

The 2003 Crianza a dark ruby-colored effort, offers expressive aromas of herbs, vanilla, cherries, and red currants. Medium-bodied, it has very good depth and concentration and enough structure for 2–3 years of further evolution.

A traditionally styled Rioja, yet surprisingly modern from start to finish. The use of older barrels mixed with new American oak barriques help create a pleasant, supple wine that pairs with everything from cheese and fruit to baked lamb or chuletas. Leather, strawberries and cedar dominate the nose. In the mouth, the leather gives way to wet earth and a forest floor in autumn. The finish is long and returns to the traditional flavors of cedar, vanilla and smoke.

Loamy, cedar, and dark cherry aromas swirl from the glass of this medium-bodied red. It has an Old World, complex character to be appreciated with slow sips over a long dinner. Not a fruit-driven wine — more sophisticated, with spice, earth and balance.