The DI taste test 2001 Rioja

100 per cent Tempranillo; 24 months in new French and American oak + 12 months in bottle; UK£10.99, US$19, €13

Colour: Deep, youthful purple with a tinge of age at the rim

Aroma: Remarkably fresh plum, blackcurrant, black cherry with a touch of cinnamon and smoky wood

Taste: Youthful, sour cherry and plum with prune touches. Tannin has a light touch on a spicy mid-palate. A juicy finish of impressive length, combined with high acidity, promises much development potential.

== Viña Pomal Reserva 2001 ==

85 per cent Tempranillo, 15 per cent Mazuelo/Graciano; 101ha in Haro, Rioja Alta; limestone/gravel soil; 18 months in American oak + 24 months in bottle; UK£10.49, US$16

Colour: Pale brick red, fading to pink-ochre

Aroma: Very fragrant, baked black fruits, prunes and figs with cinnamon spice and truffle

Taste: Heady style with peach stones and a spicy core. Tannin is hefty but keen acidity cuts through. One for old-school Rioja fans, and definitely needs roast meat.

== Montecillo Gran Reserva 2001 ==

100 per cent Tempranillo; 24 months French oak + minimum 36 months in bottle; selected old vine fruit; UK£16, US$25

Colour: Translucent purple, fading to orange-

pink

Aroma: Red cherry, blackcurrant, raspberry , a hint of eucalyptus and fresh cedarwood

Taste: Soft and approachable, classic style . Blackberry/blackcurrant fruit on a clean mid-palate. Plenty of tannin but it's soft and rounded, balanced by fresh acidity. Very long and elegantly complex .

== Campo Viejo Gran Reserva 2001 ==

85 per cent Tempranillo, 10 per cent Graciano,

5 per cent Mazuelo; hand-picked; 24 months in French and American oak + 36 months in bottle; UK£12.99

Colour: Dense black-purple

Aroma: Blackberry, black cherry with earthy touches of liquorice and fig, pepper and cedarwood

Taste: Baked forest fruits and liquorice backed by warming wood spice. It's dense and rich; tannin is soft and plentiful but ripe, giving immediate appeal. Ready to drink now. Good with lamb shank or autumn casseroles.