The Evo ’05 is composed, lively and impressive. The tobacco, coffee, leather and balsamic fruit aromas are lovely, while the berry, plum, herb, chocolate and tobacco flavors are integrated and graceful. Drink now through 2012.
— M.S.
(8/1/2009)
The excellent 2005 Azul is stout and secure, with a ripe, clean and modern bouquet that’s backed up by a chewy, toasty flavor profile that pours on the black fruit and character. With roundness, tannic grip and good acidity, this wine is in perfect balance and is delivering the most it can. Tempranillo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
— M.S.
(8/1/2009)
A smoky, cedar nose starts this wine off, followed by plum and black-olive flavors. Finishes with great depth and richness. A well-structured wine that is a blend of Tempranillo (50%), Merlot (30%), Garnacha (10%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), Lautus is the Latin word for “magnificent,” and is made only in years the winery considers exceptional. —C.S.
— C.S.
(4/1/2002)
This mixed bag of Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet and Garnacha sings a sweet tune. The nose is powerful; there’s an early punch of oak then dill, earth and red fruit. Clearly this wine benefited from some healthy sunshine in ’99. It’s eminently ripe and full of cassis and black-plum flavors. With some marzipan and bitter chocolate on the finish, it racks up plenty of…
— M.S.
(3/1/2004)
The bouquet is robust, with bold aromas of berry, tobacco, root and tree bark. It feels flush, full and balanced, with licorice and blackberry flavors that are backed by nice acidity. This is a grabby and meaty blend of 80% Syrah, 10% Merlot and 10% Graciano.
— M.S.
(11/1/2012)
Pretty aromas of cherry, leather and baking spices lead into a sturdy, structured palate featuring dark plum and bitter chocolate flavors. The finish is hard and a bit tannic, but in a way that indicates there’s a good foundation for aging. Cherry and cola are the lasting flavor impressions. Drink now or hold for a year or two.
— M.S.
(11/1/2002)
Broad-shouldered and bold, but like all Guelbenzu wines, it applies the brakes where necessary. Herbal, terroir-driven characteristics pop up in between the red berry, plum and oak flavors, giving it some boost and nuance. And it gets better with airing, as it delivers coffee and buttery oak at the end.
— M.S.
(3/1/2004)