A classy, rich style of modern Rioja that gets everything right. The nose is a mix of bacon, cinnamon, baked blackberry, pepper and vanilla, while the lush palate is alive with layered flavors of black plum, coffee, black tea and baking spices. Long on the finish, and fabulous as a whole. Drink now through 2016.
— M.S.
(7/1/2011)
Serious, stately Rioja with key aromas of prune, blackberry and leather. Snappy enough on the palate, with plenty of pop as well as pure berry flavors, smooth tannins, zest and dry vanilla. Some might call it a bit acidic and traditional, but with food it’ll do great. Drink now through 2016. Only 250 cases made.
— M.S.
(6/1/2010)
Starts out kind of raw and cutting, with oak, soy and spiky black fruit aromas. The palate is round but features kick, while flavors of cola, mocha and chocolate sit on top of earthy berry. An oaky wine, especially on the finish. But it’s also deep and generous. Drink now.
— M.S.
(7/1/2011)
A mildly baked wine with a touch of raisin, brine and stem on the nose. The palate is grabby, with firm tannins and core flavors of cherry, blackberry and dry oak. Beyond that, there isn’t a whole lot else on offer, and the fruit breaks up on the transition from palate to finish.
— M.S.
(6/1/2010)
Berry and leather aromas are good and bring in some minerality. The palate is lean and high in acid, which should play well with food, especially salty ham or nuts. By itself it could come across tart, with red fruit dominating.
— M.S.
(10/1/2011)