Root beer, cola nut, red pepper and saddle leather together form a classic aged Rioja bouquet. Bright cherry and red currant on the palate is followed by a finish graced by vanilla and cherry tomato. Some minty, herbal nuances make it extra interesting.
— M.S.
(12/31/2004)
A touch leafy, with telltale root beer and cola aromas mixing with spice and raisins. The palate is firm, with tart but precise fruit that veers toward red currants and cranberry; which isn’t to say it’s sour. Nuances of forest floor and tree bark are expected.
— M.S.
(12/31/2004)
An example of a well-made, lightweight red that puts clarity and freshness ahead of bulk and oak. The palate is racy and slick, with some peppery spice and milk chocolate along with pure cherry and raspberry. Finishes warm, tight and spicy.
— M.S.
(6/1/2005)
Falls into the dark and roasted category, with aromas of leather, black fruits and toast. The palate is saturated and full, with dark, roasted black fruit, molasses and spice flavors. Warm on the finish almost to the point of being hot, but not quite. A very solid wine overall.
— M.S.
(10/1/2010)
A standard Riojano red with crisp cherry aromas followed by a zesty, slightly tart palate that carries punchy cherry fruit, acidity and little nuance or character. Tastes a tiny bit sour by today’s measurements, but it’s still pretty good for being crisp and acid-driven.
— M.S.
(10/1/2010)
Smoky and saucy on the nose, with a hint of oak-based caramel. The palate features tart raspberry and light oak, while the thin, tight finish carries with it a bit of milk chocolate. Not dense or layered; mildly leafy.
— M.S.
(12/31/2004)
Raisin, licorice and sawdust are the primary aromas, while the palate runs dry and slightly overdone with oak. It’s a decent wine that’s neither funky nor faulty; but it is dried out and lean, with apple skin and hard-spice flavors.
— M.S.
(9/1/2007)
Baked, saucy aromas suggest the wine’s overall character. It’s ripe and stewy, with a grippy palate and a flavor profile full of tomato, herbs and red plum. Tastes herbal and roasted on the finish; aggressive, savory Rioja.
— M.S.
(5/1/2012)