Made from the Tempranillo grape, this wine can serve as a graduate seminar in how a wine doesn’t have to be fruity to be interesting and even complex. Aromas and flavors of earth, leather and herbs are austere, while high acidity and dusty tannins give it structure and depth. Very dry, it’s a superb wine for paella.
— S.H.
(11/1/2002)
The vast region of La Mancha is on the prowl in the 21st century, and wines like this won’t hurt the region’s improving reputation. The nose here is fresh and loaded with berry sweetness and accents of cinnamon and forest floor. The palate is round and chewy, with plum and berry flavors. It’s richer than many so-called alta expresión wines, and the structure goes…
— M.S.
(8/1/2003)
Slightly more sweet and fleshy than “bone dry” but still quite balanced and thorough. There’s nothing sugary or artificial about the strawberry and raspberry character, and even some nectarine enters about midway. Full bodied and red in color, but natural and ready to go. Drink now.
— M.S.
(10/1/2008)
Typical and likable, with aromas of dark fruit, rubber, leather and spice. Fairly broad and easy on the palate, where simple raspberry and cherry flavors lead to a light, airy finish. Solid and juicy stuff. Imported by Palm Bay Imports. Best Buy.
— M.S.
(8/1/2005)
Dark crushed-mineral aromas and coffee get it going, while the palate is juicy, bright and healthy, with good feel, solid acidity and proper tannins. The flavor profile is limited to chocolate and generic berry fruit, but the finish has length and composure. Nice for a $12 wine with a production of 65,000 cases.
— M.S.
(11/15/2008)
Red fruit, cassis and sweet rubbery notes define the ripe bouquet. Feels medium to full in size, with leafy flavors mixed with plum, vanilla and oak. Red fruits including strawberry and raspberry work the mildly oaky finish.
— M.S.
(2/1/2012)
An attempt at a more “serious” style, this wine goes overboard on the oak, burying the plum, prune and dried berry fruit. Medium- to full-bodied and even, it closes with mouth-puckering woody tannins. Those more oak-tolerant will find much more to like here. —M.M.
— M.M.
(9/1/2002)
Leafy and minty up front, with jumpy fruit that runs toward tomato and pepper. It’s a rugged little wine with hot and spicy oak notes along with some dill and burnt coffee. Not offensive but not exactly regal.
— M.S.
(8/1/2007)