The 2001 Coto De Imaz Gran Reserva, composed of 100% Tempranillo and aged in French and American oak for 24 months, is a medium bodied, integrated to aged wine, with intense aromas of red berries, cherry, vanilla, coconut, toasted oak and faint leather. It has a nice structure with refined tannins (decant for 15-30 min) and an extra long finish, making it an ideal sipping wine (don't waste it with food, cherish it). It is ready to drink now and will last for at least another 5+ years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL to DIVINE, 92+ points - this is the best traditional Rioja that LCBO has released in at least a year. Tasted June, July and Aug/12.

See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:

www.GrapeSelections.com

or here @
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy

Hard to believe this wine is 14 years old already. It's in full stride now. Really nice.

Really fine bottle.

Finally, a solid traditional example!

a complex, subtle perfume of coconut oil, dried strawberries, musk, clay earth, dusty raspberry and light leather. Light and sensual on the palate, with plenty of dried strawberry, earth and musk. Mellow and easy-drinking, with well-integrated acid, tannin and oak.

The wine isn't trying to be too much, and so it's just right.

Tasted January 2014.

This ruby red rioja's rockin' it old school. Oak is certainly prevalent but integrated with red fruit, dusty tannins and juicy acidity. There are savoury elements, a hint of mocha and iodine. Length and balance. Not my favourite style, but definitely a quality quaff.