What a coup to get this wine into our range. Certainly and deservedly one of the most highly regarded Rioja producers. These are the Riojas from which dreams are made. Think leather chesterfields, smoked meats and cigar-box.

A very enticing nose of sweet berries, a hint of leather and freshly ground coffee. This is 100% Tempranillo and great value for genuine, honest Rioja. There's spades of earthiness and fresh herbs alongside cedary notes from toasty barrels. Medium bodied, this shows a modern take with vibrant fruit and less oak than the Riojas of the past.

Running with Bulls Barossa Tempranillo is deep crimson in colour with alluring and evolving aromas. Opening with blueberries, black cherry and cocoa powder the aromas lead to hints of tobacco leaf, Sichuan pepper and rose water. Redcurrants and blueberries are prominent on the palate, with a creamy plush mid palate that finishes with fine dark chocolate tannins.

The savoury and smooth Tempranillo is complimented by thespicy fruit and structure of Graciano. The resultant wine has greater intensity, depth and length.

Everyone loves good Rioja. Now take a step up to Reserva level. This is from the 2012 vintage, officially classified as ‘very good’. It was aged for at least a year in barrel and two in bottle to produce a Rioja of perfect balance and depth. Pagos de Tahola comes from the Chavarri family – Francisco and daughter Ruth form a winning partnership with winemaker Miguel Lopez Nuñez. Their exemplary wines are based on exuberant fruit harvested from mature vines in some of Rioja’s highest vineyards then infused with the signature fragrance of quality French and US oak. Rich aromas of dried berries and vanilla, hallmark red berry and sweet spice flavours and silky texture – impressively smooth. Serve with Spanish style rice dishes or grilled meats.

Upon much deliberation, our overall masked winner revealed a style and character that provided us with a fairly clear cut insight into the modern day advances of a region etched in history and tradition. Cosme Palacio consistently produces one of our favourite Riojas that always offers incredible value for money. Produced predominantly from Tempranillo grown in cool, relatively high altitude sites, this is modern Rioja that's bright and ready to go thanks to a touch of bottle age. It's medium bodied with fine tannins and juicy in the mouth. Black fruits dominate the flavour profile with some delicate cedar and earthy notes adding complexity to a delicious example from this much loved region.

Very intense cherry red colour. On the nose is opulent and very expressive, with a base of great quality ripe black fruit, with balsamic notes in the background. On the mouth it has a good acidity, its broad and tasty. Long aftertaste.

Marqués de Riscal began with a dream back in 1858 and over 150 years later, the Bodega decided to commemorate the 150th Anniversary with a Gran Reserva Rioja that befitted the history and standing of such great wines. The result it this outstanding Tempranillo blend from the 2001 vintage, a truly special vintage in the Rioja region. Dark cherry in colour with complex aromas of balsamic, charred wood and layers of spices. The palate follows with a viscous mouthfeel with a good concentration of tannins and acid structure. A truly remarkable Rioja that pays a great tribute.