The 1994 Rioja Grandes Anadas Reserva Especial (made from a single Tempranillo vineyard planted 80-100 years ago) was aged for 40 months in 100% new French oak casks. Approximately 100 six-bottle cases were imported to the United States. This intellectually and hedonistically satisfying wine is one of the most compelling and prodigious Riojas I have ever tasted. It possesses amazing richness and a fabulous smoky black fruit-scented nose that soars from the glass. Full-bodied with extraordinary richness layers of fruit beautifully integrated acidity tannin and wood and a whoppingly long 45+ second finish this wine must be tasted to be believed. It is also one of the most expensive Riojas I have ever tasted but this wine has a 20-year upside potential. It is a tour de force in winemaking. Kudos to Artadi! Anticipated maturity: 2000-2020.This estate qualifies as a fabulous discovery. A relatively new enterprise dedicated to producing wines at the top of the qualitative hierarchy Artadi has turned out four spectacular Riojas. Founded in 1989 this winery's vineyards are all planted at cool high altitude (around 1500 feet) terroirs. These are brilliant wines that merit considerable attention.Importer: Eric Solomon European Cellars New York NY; tel. (212) 924-4949

Beautifully sculpted this red is rich yet tender concentrated yet elegant with ripe flavors of raspberry and blackberry sweet toasted oak notes and a silky texture that simply glides into a long finish. Not a typical Rioja but irresistible. Drink now through 2008. –TM