Izadi Reserva 2006, Rioja $19.99

This Reserva was #1 with my diners & has critical acclaim to back it up. Not a Parker-ized Tempranillo (which have a worthy place in the New World of palates, don't get me wrong) -- when The International Wine Cellar lauds a Rioja I take note as my taste buds grew up on the traditional first. The Z in the name lets you know this is from the Basque zone of the Rioja, & the winery is owned by Grupo Artevino, a family business whose motto is "One passion, the wine. One value, the soil." Artevino also includes the esteemed Ribera del Duero estate Finca Villacreces & rubs shoulders with Ferran Adria, Juan Mari Arzak, Joel Robuchon, & Alain Ducasse at their gastronomy events. The people's favorite at Gaudi, here's what the critics say:

"Ruby-red. Highly fragrant, displaying scents of blackberry, incense and dark chocolate, with a spicy overtone. Creamy in texture and deep in black and blue fruit flavors, with supple tannins adding shape and gentle grip on the back. Becomes smoky and more floral with air and finishes on a sweet candied violet note. Drinking very well right now; this would be great with braised lamb or a dish containing mushrooms." 90 points, Josh Raynolds, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar