92
points
Valserrano 2005 Monovarietales Garnacha (Rioja)
-
$45
A big, dark, modern wine with lemon and shoe polish on the nose but also rich black fruit aromas. The palate is both elegant and beefy, with lush blackberry and copious spice and chocolate flavors. Finishes full, mossy, rich and slightly herbal. A big success for varietal Rioja Grenache; drink now through 2012.
— M.S.
(7/1/2011)
91
points
Valserrano 2000 Gran Reserva Red (Rioja)
-
$32
A rock-solid gran reserva with tobacco, tomato leaf, pepper and lovely dried fruit aromas. The palate is round and comfortable, with tobacco, baked fruit and brown sugar flavors. Pure and silky on the finish, with length. Excellent aged Rioja with a more traditional character than many of the new-wave wines are showing.
— M.S.
(11/15/2008)
89
points
Valserrano 2006 Crianza Tempranillo (Rioja)
-
$17
A more traditional type of crianza with vanilla, spice, dry berry fruit and a quiet, subtle approach. The mouthfeel is Old World with it’s clean, dusty weight and proper acid-tannin balance, and the flavors of spice, cherry, dried currant and earth don’t overstep their place. Very nice wine for under $20.
— M.S.
(12/15/2010)
87
points
Valserrano 2004 Graciano (Rioja)
-
$45
A snappy, high-acid wine that pulses with red fruit aromas and flavors. It’s sheering, which is normal for the Graciano variety, but it also tastes nice while delivering a bolt of raspberry and red plum flavor. Oak comes up late, providing a counterweight of vanilla and dry spice. Nice but like all varietal Gracianos, it’s sharp and limited.
— M.S.
(4/1/2011)