91
points
R. de Ayala Lete E Hijos 2004 Deóbriga Selección Familiar Red (Rioja)
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$22
Having never tried this producer’s wines, we can only heap praise on this medium-bodied, more modern style of Rioja. Bacon, rubber and raspberry work the bouquet, while the palate is ripe and full as it pumps forth with pure red-fruit flavors. Firm and mildly tannic, with ample new oak leaving lasting flavors of vanilla, coffee and pepper. Hold for another year or…
— M.S.
(4/1/2008)
89
points
R. de Ayala Lete E Hijos 2001 Viña Santurnia Gran Reserva Red (Rioja)
-
$36
Nice on the nose, with mildly herbal red-fruit, leather, tobacco and tomato-leaf aromas. The palate is full in size, with both creaminess and clamping tannins. The palate delivers earthy raspberry and plum flavors, while vanilla and pepper share the finish. Very nice and still capable of withstanding more cellar time. Drink now through 2013.
— M.S.
(12/15/2008)
87
points
R. de Ayala Lete E Hijos 2004 Viña Santurnia Reserva Red (Rioja)
-
$20
Smooth and comfortable bouquet, with aromas of raisin, blackberry and marzipan. Falls into the lush, ripe category, with blackberry, plum and mild herbal flavors. Finishes easy, deep and chewy, with chocolate and smoked meat accents. Honest and ready to drink now.
— M.S.
(12/15/2009)
85
points
R. de Ayala Lete E Hijos 2006 Viña Santurnia Crianza Red (Rioja)
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$15
On the peppery side, with a peanutty aromatic character, yet when it all airs out it finds a pretty good resting place. The palate is slick feeling, if a touch closed, while the flavor profile consists of roasted red fruit and peanuts. Baked on the finish, with pepper and vanilla.
— M.S.
(11/1/2009)