Good, pure, dark and teetering on powerful, with strong, rich black plum aromas. The mouth is staunch and balanced, with full dark fruit flavors of blackberry along with bitter chocolate. Solid and clean throughout. A winner in its price range.
— M.S.
(10/1/2010)
Saucy and a touch baked, with savory lead aromas that render the fruit secondary. Zesty in the mouth, with juicy, prickly acids that propel red fruit, tomato, olive and herbal flavors. Finishes lively and alert, with oregano and dried raspberry flavors. Drink now through 2017.
— M.S.
(7/1/2011)
With clean, breezy cherry and plum aromas, this one covers the aromatic basics with aplomb. The palate is balanced, with roundness, width and creamy plum and berry flavors. It finishes pure with a touch of milk chocolate, and overall it's what you want from an under-$20 Rioja.
— M.S.
(11/1/2009)
Sweet aromas of raisin, cola, root beer and tobacco suggest ripeness, yet the palate keeps a firm, gritty feel as it pumps out berry, plum and cola flavors. Arguably a little brandied and warm, but if you drink it soon it will deliver adequate freshness and lots of berry fruit and mocha.
— M.S.
(12/15/2009)
A chunky wine with compost, coffee and leather on the nose. The palate holds onto that chunkiness with clumsy flatness that goes with herbal plum and berry flavors. Airing allows it to unfold and find a better place, but always does it seem heavy and on the murky side.
— M.S.
(10/1/2010)
Subtlety is not in the calling here. The nose is chunky, with leather and scattered fruit. Sweet plum and berry fruit is bolstered by forward acidity. Condensed and short, but undoubtedly lively.
— M.S.
(3/1/2005)
Meaty on the nose, with chunky leather aromas along with mature fruit. In the mouth, it’s a touch racy and acidic, which serves to bolster its raspberry and pie-cherry personality. Pretty good overall, with a sizable allotment of zest.
— M.S.
(6/1/2005)
More red than brown. Aromas of wood spice, cinnamon and black cherry are lively, while the palate offers mostly tart cherry and raspberry. Hard and lean on the finish, with sharp acidity.
— M.S.
(12/31/2004)