Marques de Tomares Rioja Crianza

Marques de Tomares makes the kind of traditional Rioja that I absolutely love. Founded in 1910 and still family-run today, the estate farms more than 100 acres organically in Rioja Alta, including some vines more than 100 years old. The grapes are harvested and sorted by hand, fermented with native yeasts, and aged in French and American oak before spending another 14 months in bottle.

And wow, does it deliver. Dark cherry, warm plum, cigar box, leather, violet, and Asian spice fill the glass, followed by a ripe, silky palate with savory complexity and fresh acidity. It's got the earthy, traditional character of Rioja with plenty of ripe fruit and freshness to keep you coming back. Think La Rioja Alta meets Remelluri. I would swear this was a Reserva.