December 16, 2023 - Quite drinkable in a mature style. No longer at peak, but showing an interesting mixture of fruit, acidity with light tannins.
November 12, 2022 - Dang good wine! Perfect with rack of lamb. Tons of beautiful tertiary flavors with good acidity moving it forward
April 18, 2020 - Wow! What a beautiful old Rioja. Reminds me somewhat of old Borolo.
March 16, 2019 - Rioja & Rhône(style): Mid garnet with a browning rim. Moderately rich, mature Rioja, richer than 904 or Tondo, but not at CVNE VR levels. Very 73. Some orange peel, soft red fruit and gently worn leather. Long. Holds well. This is lovely — not worth holding on any longer, it’s gorgeous. ****
July 30, 2017 - Very brick-ish color. Incense, a little vanilla, maybe a little funk in the smell. Medium body. A little acidity still there. Medium body.
June 25, 2017 - The cork simply crumbled as I tried to ah-so it ever so gently. Regardless, this old timer was in pretty darn good shape. Nice balance and mouthfeel. Went well with BBQ'd short-ribs.
July 19, 2014 - Blood-colored. Bricking at the edges. Some slightly cooked odors, along with some oxidative smells, though not too much. Is this still wine, or has it given up the ghost?
Yes, yes it is definitely still wine. Very curious. The fruit doesn’t taste cooked like I feared; instead, it’s almost caramelized — not in the sense of being sweet, but developed, like a seared steak. No, that’s not a good descriptor. In any case, despite my fears from the smell, this wine still going strong. It continued to develop over the course of the night, so don't be afraid to save some for later.
June 17, 2014 - - Ruby color with medium forming legs with a medium finish - After a shaky start it finally Came to life after a 3 hour decant. Very smooth with hints of orange and pepper.
May 8, 2012 - An Offline for Luke (28-50, London): Slightly caramel, orange peel and a little volatile initially. Proper old Rioja. Sweet fruit, long and lovely, but I do like this style of wine. ****
January 1, 2011 - Dry crumbly cork. Opened an hour before drinking but not decanted. Really beautiful mid ruby fading to a light garnet at the rim. Classic old Rioja orange peel, a touch of gentle spice and light red fruit with a whiff of tobacco too. Very smooth entry, relatively light but rounded and caressing in the mouth. Orange peel and soft red fruit. Just right. Really lovely and very harmonious. Top ****