December 15, 2016 - Drank in London
Classic mature and smooth with a nose of leaf, forest floor, dried red fruit and cherries. Lovely.
March 14, 2016 - Dark red with a light orange tint to the rim; aromas of dark fruit, ripe cherries, currants, leather and some oak. It was very dry, smooth, strong rich flavors of dark fruit, full bodied, rich tannins. The after taste was long, very dry and clean...no bitterness.
September 27, 2015 - Dark red with aromas of dark ripe cherries, some leather, oak and spices. It was bold, smooth, medium tannins and acidity, with coffee notes. The after taste was rich, smooth and little bitter.
June 24, 2015 - The wine was medium to dark garnet in colour and offered ripe red and dark berries, ripe strawberry, ripe cherry, coffee, cocoa, leather and spices on the nose. On the palate the wine showed ripe red fruit, espresso, cocoa and spices, with fresh, medium-plus acidity, medium to medium-plus tannin and very good length. The ripe, medium to full-bodied wine tasted bitter and the mid-palate seemed thin, but paired with food (Iberico pig) the wine became smooth and balanced. A solid, food-friendly Rioja that suffered from a weak mid-palate. 88+
November 16, 2012 - Decanted for 1 hour. The wine is translucent garnet colored hue. No signs of bricking. Thin and slow legs. A beautiful nose - black cherries, blueberries and vanilla orchids. Very seductive. On the palate, the cheery and blueberry notes from the nose comes through with an ever slight touch of toasty oak, finishing with a surprising grippy tannins. Very long lasting finish. The fruit, the acid and the alcohol are well-integrated. The acid present along with the firm tannins suggests a long life. A wonderful bottle of wine and well worth the $25 price tag I paid.
November 10, 2012 - Deep Garnet Ruby, fading a bit at the edge. Elegant nose displays strawberry, tobacco, flowers, and sweet oak. Very classic medium full body on the palate, with good fruit and a certain earthiness. This finishes with resolved tannins, medium acidity and medium length.
September 13, 2012 - Aromas of smoke and espresso powder; very smooth taste; balanced. Great with spannish blue cheese and cured olives. Also good with lamb chops. Did not have the lucious flavors of the 2003 but still very good.
June 30, 2012 - Popped & poured - medium ruby color with hints of currant, plum and a bit of tobacco; good finish - not over the top