2012 Vivanco Crianza Rioja This year my choice was

This year my choice was an easy one

high-toned black raspberry nose show a slightly pruney ripeness (the VA here was a relatively elevated 0

while subtle tea and licorice root notes line the lightly firm finish

After an irregular summer that saw elevated temperatures in July followed by cooler

*Smart Buys* This rich red shows a deep core of plum

2012 Vivanco Crianza Rioja This year my choice wasThe 2012 Crianza, pure Tempranillo, fermented in oak vats and matured in barrique for 16 months, feels unusually classic in its profile of aromas, nicely developed and with contained ripeness. The medium bodied palate felt like a great improvement over the 2011 that I tasted last time, with fine tannins and very good balance. (LG)