2001 C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Rioja Imperial Reserva (Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja)

There's little to say about this wine that I have not said before. Had this with friends who cooked lamb for dinner. Best food/wine match ever. The acid and spice in this wine play perfectly with the fattiness and flavor of lamb. On its own, this is a tremendous wine. With lamb, it's a world-beater. It's got pretty blackberry fruit, nice acidity, a touch of dried herbs, and a silky texture. At under $50, this is another wine to buy in large quantity.