Despite spending just six months in oak, this Tempranillo-dominated red serves up ample barrel char along with some sweet, attractive wood-driven spice. The black cherry fruit is lifted up by a pleasant vanilla flavor, which is followed by wall-to-wall tannins and a severe but welcome smokiness.
— M.S.
(11/1/2002)
From Extremadura in west-central Spain, this dark, virtually opaque red shows oak, herbs and leather on the dense nose. The flavors to this Tempranillo-based heavyweight are of blackberry, and they’re fine. But jackhammer tannins that blow away your cheek linings make it almost impossible to swallow. Bottom line: it’s a high-plains tannic drifter.
— M.S.
(3/1/2004)
Seemingly fading, with murky cedar and mint aromas and not too much fruit. Fairly gritty and tight on the back palate. A country wine that might do best with beef or lamb.
— M.S.
(12/31/2004)
Heavy and stewy, with sweet molasses aromas but little to no freshness. Flavors of raisins and plums are dark and meaty, but lifeless. Imported by Classical Wines.
— M.S.
(8/1/2005)