Marques de Riscal Reserva 2004

This red Rioja, made from the Tempranillo grape, has a distinctive red cherry taste with a strong admixture of oak and pronounced tannins. If not allowed to breathe properly, it comes off as bitter, otherwise it's a solid accompaniment to red meats. However, at $17.99, it's massively overpriced, available for four dollars less in our more fortunate neighboring states. Vive la concurrence!