A rich, earthy wine displaying armloads of crushed berries, meat, minty herbs, and smoke. Has the texture of fine Burgundy, soft and round, with brilliant fruit modulated by good acidity and lush tannins. A blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon.
— S.H.
(11/15/1999)
Similar to the above, but richer, oakier, and tighter. The aroma starts off closed, and it’s fairly tannic. But the stuffing seems to be there for the long haul; age it and see. Right now, the Crianza is by far the better choice.
— S.H.
(11/15/1999)
A rustic wine with gamy scents offset by a note of sweet vanilla. Ripe plum, black cherry and licorice combine forces on the full-throttle palate. It’s full and weighty in the mouth, and finishes fairly long, with ripe tannins and the taste of espresso making their marks.
— W.E.
(8/1/2000)
A good wine, albeit a bit sharp on the tongue. On the nose, however, there’s a good mix of leather, rubber, cherry and mint. Lengthy and powerful on the back end, with bitter chocolate in support of red fruit. Very spunky; it gets your salivary glands going.
— M.S.
(9/1/2004)
Forceful and rustic, with aromas of barnyard, tree bark and black plum. Raspberry and sour cherry flavors create a sharp-edged palate, while the finish is peppery and a touch bitter. Leaves you wanting more.
— M.S.
(9/1/2004)