Muga Muga Reserva Tempranillo Garnacha Mazuelo Graciano 2005, D.O.C., Rioja, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Rioja is the most famous of all Spanish regions. Its wines, made principally with the indigenous Tempranillo grape, are extensively aged in oak barrels (often American) which impart a characteristically smooth spicy-oak quality to the wines. Muga’s Reserva is a seductive wine with supple and dense fruit flavors as well as notes of cedar, spice, vanilla and coconut. My note: A rich, luxurious red with layers of black fruit flavor. Full-bodied with notes of mocha, black plums, smoke, vanilla, dark spices and tobacco. A long, satisfying finish. This one will get you out of the Cabernet rut. This wine is part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. 177345 13% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 90/100. April 21, 2009 Full Review

Marques De Riscal White Regional Blended White 2008, Rueda D.O., Spain  36822 12.50% D 750 mL  $17.25. July 18, 2008 Full Review

Segura Viudas Cava, Penedes, Spain: Yum, smells like fresh baked bread just out from the oven! Wonderfully toasty, this bubbly will warm you after a day of sledding or skiing. Love the notes of hazelnuts too. 158493 11.80% XD 750 mL  $14.65 Score: 87/100. December 10, 2011 Gorgeous Gift Wine Full Review

Montecillo Crianza Tempranillo 2005, Rioja, Spain: Old World finesse with mature aromas of leather and cigar box. Some dried herbs and pleasantly bitter cherries. Drink: 2008-2015. 144493 13.50% XD 750 mL  $17.30 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Juan Gil Monastrell 2008, D.O., Jumilla, Spain: Vintages Wine Panel: Monastrell (a.k.a. Mourvèdre) is believed to be of Spanish origin. Not surprising given the fact that it’s right at home in the vineyards of Bodegas Juan Gil. The estate’s sandy, chalky, rocky soil vineyards (which sit at 700 metres above sea level) and the dry hot weather here provide the ideal setting for the cultivation of Monastrell. Aged for four months in a mix of new French and American oak barrels, this full-bodied, well-balanced wine is dark and fruity, with lovely cherry and plum notes on the nose. My note: A smoky, espresso-mocha nose with rich dark fruit aromas underneath. Full-bodied and heart-warming like a big hug from a 300-pound gorilla. 94888 14% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 87/100. January 9, 2010 Full Review

Marques De Riscal Reserva Tempranillo Graciano Mazuelo 2005, Rioja, Spain: Love it! Mature aromas of leather, violets, and dark berries. Smooth and full-bodied with Old World elegance and styling. Long finish. 32656 14%  750 mL  $29.80 Score: 90/100. August 17, 2010 Full Review

Beronia Elaboración Especial Tempranillo 2009, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain: Big oaky nose that supported by terrific fleshy ripe, juicy black fruit on the palate. Fantastic for the money. Full-bodied and delicious. Drink: 2012-2015. 723643 14% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 89/100. July 7, 2012 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review