Opaque in color, with a splendid, complex bouquet that offers aromas of very dark fruit, coffee and toasty oak. There are rich, deep flavors on the palate, with plum and licorice accents and a full, vibrant mouthfeel. Finishes long and dry, with fine tannins. An estate blend of 100% Tempranillo from an assortment of sites on the property.
— M.M.
(8/1/2000)
A beautiful Ribera-style wine with deep earth, tobacco and black fruit aromas. The palate is super dense and extracted, but balanced. Blackberry, fig and chocolate flavors lead to a finish of fine French butter, herbs, coconut and vanilla. Nothing phony here; a real contender among full-bodied, modern-style reds. Drink now–2015.
— M.S.
(12/15/2009)
Big, meaty and broad, with thick, masculine coal, pepper and blackberry aromas. This marks a nice comeback for Abadia Retuerta, which had some weak wines in 2002 and ’03; this single-vineyard Syrah is lush, loaded and bursting with char, chocolate and deep fruit. It has size, power and balance pulling it in the right direction. Probably better in another year or so.
— M.S.
(4/1/2008)
Rich and earthy, with dark cassis fruit accented by chocolate, coffee and licorice. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon packs immense flavor into a dense package that doesn’t seem heavy, thanks to its creamy, velvety texture in the mouth.
— J.C.
(11/1/2001)
The rich black-cherry fruit in this 100% Tempranillo is blessed with enormous depth and solid structure. Dark earthy flavors mingle with brighter notes of cherries and berries on the palate. The slightly drying tannins on the finish suggest this wine is best saved for a special occasion in 2005.
— J.C.
(11/1/2001)
Incredibly opaque and tight. The nose hints at blackberry, licorice, spices and meat. On the palate, a very dark flavor range of coffee and black fruit reigns, with dense oak that displays dill notes. The mouthfeel is big, with elegant bearing, and the finish is long and dark, with espresso, tobacco and licorice notes and lots of tannins. Will benefit from 3 to 5…
— W.E.
(8/1/2000)
A very structured, intellectual wine with a particularly attractive nose of blueberry, pine, prunes and oriental spice. On the palate, the flavors are dark and leathery, with a fairly stern mouthfeel. Finishes dry, even austerely, with full mouth-coating tannins.
— M.M.
(8/1/2000)
Nothing if not stout and fruity. This is a big, modern Syrah with a mountain’s worth of plum, berry and currant character on the nose, palate and finish. The acidity is a bit jagged and amplified, which creates some crispness, tension and pop. But overall it’s a burly specimen that despite 20 months in oak does not taste woody. Drink or hold until 2012. Imported by…
— M.S.
(10/1/2009)