The entry level Rioja at the upstart MacRobert & Canals is a snapshot of the best of modern Rioja. It's dark, deeply concentrated and entirely about the aromas and flavors of Tempranillo...to the exclusion of the weird spice-and-dill notes of American oak that we sometimes encounter in the overly-soft wines from a few of the large bodegas in the region. Firm, serious Rioja like this, especially at such a modest price, merits our attention!