[Luckypants]

Keith is on the money I think, the single bodega Riojas have been very good for the past 5 years or so. Quite affordable too, so go to an independent wine seller for advice on a good buy. Avoid the Faustino, it may say Rioja on the bottle but it is 'MacWine' blended from several wineries, better to get a good single bodega and a pay a little more.

If you want to push the boat out, anything RED from Bordeux for the 2009 vintage will impress. I've not been lucky enough to try anything from that year, but all the reports suggest a great vintage.