Spanish red wine from the Rioja region has always been popular at Surdyk’s. One of our best is from Hacienda Lopez de Haro. It’s a great, robust take on premium wine at a bargain price. I’ve personally been drinking this Rioja for years. It is a rounded, full palate of flavors with a core full of spice and a smooth, long finish. The Tempranillo grape is its signature, with some Graciano added for color and body. The flavors are bold with plum, cranberry, and raspberry fruit expressions. You’ll find a bright acidity that balances a medium/firm tannin that adds good structure to this red wine. Deep in the middle is a spice rainbow of vanilla, crushed tobacco leaf, and a touch of balsamic. This carries a “Reserva” classification, which in Spain means the wine spent one year in oak cask and two more years in the bottle before being released for sale. Here’s classic Rioja flavor just waiting for you to set your table to serve up hamburgers all the way to a nice steak. Grilling that steak over charcoal would make this a smoky wonder. Grab a case for the cooler fall weather we are heading into while it’s on sale! -Bill McCleary