($21, Palm Bay International): Rioja, Spain’s most widely known wine region, continues to offer consumers wines with a fabulous combination of ripe fruit flavors and earthy elements.   Not a modern fruit bomb, this gorgeous, traditional blend of Tempranillo (90%) and Mazuelo delivers a stylish balance of bright red fruit and savory notes surrounded by polished tannins.  It’s a supple, but not soft, mid-weight wine with energizing acidity and a hint of spicy oak that makes it ideally suited for a meal.  It’s an excellent choice–at an attractive price—for a special occasion. 92 Michael Apstein Sep 8, 2009