In the glass: Dark red. On the nose: Chery berry fruit, herb and cumin spice. On the palate: Ripe, juicy and generous with sweet, fleshy dark cherry and red plum fruit, some confectionery notes, sweet earth, cola, liquorice and milk chocolate - deliciously savoury.

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.

Aaron Mercer's new self-named venture is going from strength to strength, and is delivering some exceptional wines from across NSW, in this case Hilltops Tempranillo.Bright, deep purple. Youthful black cherry, blood plum, plum, pepper and cedar box. Crisp and refreshing entry, in a medium-bodied frame, with supple red fruit flavours, silken tannin structure, vibrant red berry acidity and good complexity throughout.

Mount Majura, from the emerging wine region of the Canberra District, considers Tempranillo as their flagship variety. With a dense core of dry savoury tannin, interwoven with fleshy cherry and blueberry fruit, and embroidered with a host of aromas, from sweet spices and pomegranate, to malt and leather.

Fragrant aromas of red cherry, spice and forest herbs follow to a silky palate, integrating perfectly with acidity and tannins and a very long persistent finish.

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

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.