The 1995 Marques de Riscal Gran Reserva reveals more floral, earth, and mineral notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry compote are intermingled with plenty of tannin and vibrant acidity (a principal key to the longevity of these wines) leading to a lengthy finish in a wine that should easily provide pleasure for another 15-20 years. Marques de Riscal is one of Rioja’s legendary estates. Here tradition and quality go hand in hand despite the Bodega’s enormous production and a few minor tweaks to update the style. It was my privilege in May 2010 to participate in a vertical tasting of Marques de Riscal Gran Reservas dating back to 1870 at the Bodega. The corks from the ancient vintages were removed with Port tongs to prevent any contamination of the wine. Shaw-Smith Importers, FL

A trip to the county fair with aromas of horse stall and prize cows. Flavors are rich: dark cherry shows through more than earth, and they lingers with firm tannins indicating that it will last till 2010. ——C.S.(11/1/2002)—— 88