In 2001 (the best Rioja vintage prior to 2004) this wine cost $15 and rated 87 points. Now it’s $42 and it’s worth it. Smooth and inviting on the nose, with coconut, toast and black fruit aromas. In a word, the bouquet is inviting. And the palate seals the deal; there’s a creamy feel and loads of fruit and vanilla to fill the gaps. Drink now through 2009.
— M.S.
(4/1/2008)
Smoky aromas of leather, balsam wood, tobacco and berry fruit are totally appealing. The palate is full and tight, with ripe flavors of berry and plum accented by coconut, vanilla and chocolate, all of which come courtesy of new oak. Smooth and classy on the finish; pretty much everything reads right here. Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
— M.S.
(12/15/2011)
What makes this varietal Syrah score high is not that it’s over the top, superlush or heavily oaked, but that it’s balanced to a tee. Black cherry, blackberry and spice aromas are more solid than they are special, while the palate folds together flavors of baked fruit, berry, mocha and tobacco. It doesn’t expand much on the finish, but by then the story has been told.
— M.S.
(2/1/2013)
For the price, this is an excellent Rioja to drink now or lay away for a few more years. Earthy cherry, plum and cola aromas set up a fresh and focused palate that’s typical for the region. Flavors of mild oak, tobacco and dried raspberry end with clarity and elegance. Drink now–2019.
— M.S.
(6/1/2013)
The bouquet is dosed with resiny oak and vanilla aromas, but there are herbal notes, leather and red fruit scents as well. It feels good but slightly sticky, with flavors of vanilla, coconut, tomato, red plum and herb. This feels good on the finish, with tobacco, vanilla and oak flavors. Drink now through 2015.
— M.S.
(7/1/2012)
Dark and loaded with big black fruit aromas, tobacco, spice and a lot of vanilla from copious oaking. The palate is good and juicy, with a healthy blend of blackberry, fig and chocolate flavors. Toasty, round and chocolaty on an oaky, creamy finish.
— M.S.
(10/1/2011)
The nose on this wine is condensed and tight, with snappy berry aromas that come across fresh. The palate feel is lively and juicy, while flavors of plum, berry and tobacco are honest and appealing. Straightforward and convincing as a whole, with a solid structure. Drink now through 2017.
— M.S.
(5/1/2013)
Generosity is the key word with this Tempranillo. The nose is loamy and earthy, with raisin and violet aromas. It’s plump, but with bounce in its step. Echoing the nose, this deals loamy, earthy flavors of blackberry and prune prior to a rich and chunky but short finish.
— M.S.
(6/1/2013)