There are power wines and finesse wines, and this Rioja classic is finesse all the way. It's a medium-bodied red with tremendous intensity. At five years of age, it has passed the adolescent stage and reached a level of mature smoothness. (There's no reason to think it can't maintain that level for five to 10 years.) It offers penetrating black-cherry and blackberry flavors with hints of Mediterranean herbs and a touch of the vanilla flavor imparted by American oak.
2003 Baron de Ley Reserva
From: Rioja, Spain
Price: $28
Serve with: Grilled red meat, roast poultry
