A swaggering, slightly traditional holdover from the amazing 2001 vintage. This wine delivers cumin, pepper, turned earth and vanilla-infused berry aromas in front of a juicy, forward, complex palate featuring prime red-berry flavors along with hints of red pepper flake and tobacco. It still shows ample oak and vanilla but the fruit quality, tannins and structure…
— M.S.
(11/1/2007)
A loud, fiery nose indicates that this wine has a lot in store. Aromas of brick dust, earth, tobacco and red pepper flake set up a choppy, tannic, lively palate with a full dosage of cherry, plum, spice and toast flavors. Roasted on the finish but still fresh. Drink now through 2012.
— M.S.
(4/1/2011)
Smoky, earthy and very nice up front, with plum and berry aromas. The palate is lifted and focused, with juicy, bright flavors of red berry, mild citrus and chocolaty oak. Long, smooth and nicely oaked on the finish. Just right for the price.
— M.S.
(12/15/2011)
Nice wine with standard Rioja aromas of raspberry, vanilla, licorice and dill. The palate has life and kick due to protruding acidity, while the flavor profile is based on snappy, high-toned plum and red berry. Softer on the finish, where butter and vanilla notes rise up. Drinkable now but will hold for another few years.
— M.S.
(10/1/2010)
Shy at first, with standard raspberry aromas, earth and buttery notes along with cherry and raspberry flavors. Becomes fuller and more satisfying with time, and once it’s fully open you have a solid, satisfying Rioja with true flavors and good overall balance.
— M.S.
(12/15/2010)
Opens with leather and rubber and quickly moves to dry cherry, spice and balsam wood. The palate is balanced and healthy, with fairly thick and meaty plum and berry flavors cut by proper acids. Long on the finish, with a tobacco note and lasting berry length.
— M.S.
(12/15/2011)
Brick colored, with a baked, spicy nose that is true Rioja in that it also pushes Sherry, raisin and cinnamon notes. Fairly dry, acidic and zesty in the mouth, with cherry and cola flavors. Forceful acidity keeps it moving along. Needs food to absorb that acid.
— M.S.
(12/15/2006)
Spunky and mildly abrasive on the nose, this has some punch and character. It feels fresh, lean and narrow, with a traditional Rioja mix of herb-influenced red-fruit and dry spice notes. The mild finish offers tobacco and raspberry flavors.
— M.S.
(2/1/2013)