Cortijo Tinto 2009

This young Rioja, a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Grenache, has black cherry and chocolate elements along with a fiery finish in which some licorice can be detected. It's a nice drink and, coming with a natural cork, will probably improve in the bottle for a year or two. Unfortunately the price, $10.99, is once again out of line, it can be had for three dollars less in N.Y. & N.J.