I had 12 bottles of this wine. I’m surprised this is the first time I’m recording my notes. I drank 9 already over the years. Blackberry and vanilla aroma. Dark chocolate and berries flavor. Creamy texture, slight acidity. Glad I have 2 more bottles cause they’re just now mellowing.
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Last bottle. This was the best bottle. Not sure if bc it had more time before opening. Either way, would absolutely grab another 4 if it came up on WTSO. Terrific QPR.
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Slight seepage on the cork. Dark fruit, clove and cinnamon and black cherry on the nose. Slight oak, mocha, and green peppers. Short finish. Overall nice wine.
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Aired for 2 hours before consuming. Good, fruit forward Rioja with minimal tannic structure. Light to medium body made it fine to pair with Pasta Bolognese.
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Pop and pour. Reddish purplish in appearance with an intensely perfumed nose of cherry, liquorice, tobacco, moist earth and vanilla oak. This lovely Rioja Reserve is medium-bodied, impeccably balanced with notes of dark cherry, tobacco smoke, rare meat, and a beautiful vanilla cream finish. There's hardly any discernible trace of alcohol despite the 14% indicated on the label. This is definitely a great bargain and a fun wine to drink, wish I had more.
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Semi dry but not overtly fruity, great blend and classic Rioja. Medium plus bodied and time has been kind in not losing any of its edge in aging. Drinking beautifully now.
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Last bottle of four was somewhat flawed. We saw seepage up ~10-12 mm on one side, and the wine was obviously exposed to more oxygen than was ideal. The fruit was soft and dried-tasting, almost Port-like, but the tannins were still intense and razor sharp. I'm not sure if I just had a glimpse into this wine's future or not...but if I did, you are better off drinking it now with plenty of aeration.
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"Deep ruby. Ripe cherry, dark berries and vanilla on the perfumed nose. Smooth and accessible, offering sweet cherry-vanilla and coconut flavors and a hint of mocha."
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Lovely Rioja! Medium to full-bodied with a nice and scrumptious mouth feel, dominated by deep black fruit, licorice and a side of vanilla. Paired with a slab of assorted Spanish cold cuts and cheeses.
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This was $13 from WTSO. Gentle pour into decanter. Some fine sediment was observed in the last couple of mL, but no deposition on the cork. Took quite a long time to open up, so the next bottle will be put through the aerator. Nose is quite warm/alcoholic and woody, but also exhibits fresh, ripe red fruit; baking spices; tobacco/humidor; and a touch of vanilla. It's similar and pleasing on the palate, but, again, quite hot and woody. It has mouthwatering acidity on the attack and fine, grippy tannins on the midpalate.
It seems like this could use some more time in the bottle to help the wood notes integrate, but that probably won't help the volatile alcohol. These are pretty large flaws that should have been resolved before release, but for $13 a bottle who can complain? We'll call it "good-to-very good," 85/100.
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Takes a while to open up and recommend aerating or sitting for an hour or so. Big nose, well balanced fruit forward and classic Rioja blend. After a few hours it did become weaker so do not let it sit too long.
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This needs a lot of time once opened. Finished it in four days and the latter was far more enjoyable. Well blended, dry, complex, and memorable finish. Medium plus bodied, soft tannins and overall improving with time. Be patient and provide generous time once opened.
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Very similar to the 2006 vintage for which i truly enjoyed. Not as dry or big so i would hold off a few plus months and wait for the right time. Nose and finish developed over the evening.
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Decanter about an hour before trying. Drank over 3 hours. Very nice bouquet. A hint of alcohol in the nose with a rich berry and slight anise smell. Not real acidic on the palate. It has long legs and a nice long finish. A little tannic but not overly so. It has a nice smooth deep cherry with leather and spice taste to it. I would purchase it again.
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Took ages to come around. Started off very acidic, almost volatile, with raw primary aromas of pepper and tobacco. Gradually the roughness subsided and the sweeter fruit emerged. It delivered the goods in the end but I suppose it's going through a difficult phase at the moment. Stay away for a couple of years.
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Starts off shy and mute, old American oak and musky plum fruit on the nose. Gradually letting go and opening up to reveal perfumed raspberry and tobacco, Tempranillo style, vanilla and herbs. Medium to full on the palate, good integration, crunchy primary raspberry battles with secondary strawberries-soaked-in-brandy. Good finish, crisp, raspberry pips and nutty oak.
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10/24/2019 - SiciliaVegaUnica Likes this wine: 90 Points
I had 12 bottles of this wine. I’m surprised this is the first time I’m recording my notes. I drank 9 already over the years. Blackberry and vanilla aroma. Dark chocolate and berries flavor. Creamy texture, slight acidity. Glad I have 2 more bottles cause they’re just now mellowing.
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5/17/2017 - Kathygrat wrote: 90 Points
Last bottle. This was the best bottle. Not sure if bc it had more time before opening. Either way, would absolutely grab another 4 if it came up on WTSO. Terrific QPR.
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10/4/2016 - allensounhein wrote: 90 Points
Very nice nose and tannins
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8/29/2016 - ddgd Likes this wine: 89 Points
Great selection balancing fruit. Starting to lose its legs and shelf like is nearing. Drink 'em if you have them.
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4/1/2016 - Grapey McWineson wrote:
Liked the first bottle, on the fence after second bottle
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2/12/2016 - mjzrock wrote: 85 Points
Slight seepage on the cork. Dark fruit, clove and cinnamon and black cherry on the nose. Slight oak, mocha, and green peppers. Short finish. Overall nice wine.
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12/13/2015 - twfwinedude Does not like this wine:
Bad bottle. Seepage along the cork, oxidized.
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11/11/2015 - twfwinedude Does not like this wine: flawed
Oxidized, lacking fruit, bitter.
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10/25/2015 - IceTbone Likes this wine:
Good stuff
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10/11/2015 - monk1019 wrote: 88 Points
Aired for 2 hours before consuming. Good, fruit forward Rioja with minimal tannic structure. Light to medium body made it fine to pair with Pasta Bolognese.
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9/13/2015 - ddgd Likes this wine: 89 Points
Very consistent from previous bottles. Drinking well above the price with amazing QPR. A no brainier on any day for fan of Rioja.
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9/8/2015 - Drcarl Likes this wine: 91 Points
This 'Reserva' tempranillo red was exquisite, dry, & deep in flavors ... one of my favorite bodegas!
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6/12/2015 - Kathygrat wrote: 89 Points
Better once given a chance to breathe.
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4/20/2015 - NickHBailey Likes this wine: 89 Points
Easy drinking Rioja, nice QPR at WTSO prices. Currant and cherry with a little something extra. Simple but enjoyable. Not sure how this will age.
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3/27/2015 - Praxis wrote: 90 Points
Pop and pour. Reddish purplish in appearance with an intensely perfumed nose of cherry, liquorice, tobacco, moist earth and vanilla oak. This lovely Rioja Reserve is medium-bodied, impeccably balanced with notes of dark cherry, tobacco smoke, rare meat, and a beautiful vanilla cream finish. There's hardly any discernible trace of alcohol despite the 14% indicated on the label. This is definitely a great bargain and a fun wine to drink, wish I had more.
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3/1/2015 - Braemar Likes this wine: 87 Points
Dark fruit and fun berry flavor. Nice Tempranillo.
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2/19/2015 - ddgd Likes this wine: 89 Points
Semi dry but not overtly fruity, great blend and classic Rioja. Medium plus bodied and time has been kind in not losing any of its edge in aging. Drinking beautifully now.
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2/4/2015 - pkbowen wrote: flawed
Last bottle of four was somewhat flawed. We saw seepage up ~10-12 mm on one side, and the wine was obviously exposed to more oxygen than was ideal. The fruit was soft and dried-tasting, almost Port-like, but the tannins were still intense and razor sharp. I'm not sure if I just had a glimpse into this wine's future or not...but if I did, you are better off drinking it now with plenty of aeration.
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1/30/2015 - Braemar wrote: 90 Points
"Deep ruby. Ripe cherry, dark berries and vanilla on the perfumed nose. Smooth and accessible, offering sweet cherry-vanilla and coconut flavors and a hint of mocha."
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1/15/2015 - geneyus wrote: 90 Points
Lovely Rioja! Medium to full-bodied with a nice and scrumptious mouth feel, dominated by deep black fruit, licorice and a side of vanilla. Paired with a slab of assorted Spanish cold cuts and cheeses.
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1/6/2015 - pkbowen Likes this wine: 85 Points
This was $13 from WTSO. Gentle pour into decanter. Some fine sediment was observed in the last couple of mL, but no deposition on the cork. Took quite a long time to open up, so the next bottle will be put through the aerator. Nose is quite warm/alcoholic and woody, but also exhibits fresh, ripe red fruit; baking spices; tobacco/humidor; and a touch of vanilla. It's similar and pleasing on the palate, but, again, quite hot and woody. It has mouthwatering acidity on the attack and fine, grippy tannins on the midpalate.
It seems like this could use some more time in the bottle to help the wood notes integrate, but that probably won't help the volatile alcohol. These are pretty large flaws that should have been resolved before release, but for $13 a bottle who can complain? We'll call it "good-to-very good," 85/100.
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1/1/2015 - TashNYC wrote: 89 Points
Tasty wine
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11/3/2014 - ddgd Likes this wine: 89 Points
Takes a while to open up and recommend aerating or sitting for an hour or so. Big nose, well balanced fruit forward and classic Rioja blend. After a few hours it did become weaker so do not let it sit too long.
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10/25/2014 - ddgd Likes this wine: 89 Points
This needs a lot of time once opened. Finished it in four days and the latter was far more enjoyable. Well blended, dry, complex, and memorable finish. Medium plus bodied, soft tannins and overall improving with time. Be patient and provide generous time once opened.
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10/16/2014 - ddgd Likes this wine: 87 Points
Brought to a friends gathering. The crowd enjoyed it but few comments were provided. Too much talking :)
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10/15/2014 - ddgd Likes this wine: 87 Points
Might be too young and or requiring more time when opened. Kind of flat, fruit forward but not overtly fruity.
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10/8/2014 - ddgd Likes this wine: 87 Points
A little thin on day two, better on the first night. Got to give this a little more time to develop.
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10/8/2014 - ddgd Likes this wine: 87 Points
Very similar to the 2006 vintage for which i truly enjoyed. Not as dry or big so i would hold off a few plus months and wait for the right time. Nose and finish developed over the evening.
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10/6/2014 - Mostholy Likes this wine: 88 Points
Decanter about an hour before trying. Drank over 3 hours. Very nice bouquet. A hint of alcohol in the nose with a rich berry and slight anise smell. Not real acidic on the palate. It has long legs and a nice long finish. A little tannic but not overly so. It has a nice smooth deep cherry with leather and spice taste to it. I would purchase it again.
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7/22/2014 - Timbalimba wrote: 87 Points
Took ages to come around. Started off very acidic, almost volatile, with raw primary aromas of pepper and tobacco. Gradually the roughness subsided and the sweeter fruit emerged. It delivered the goods in the end but I suppose it's going through a difficult phase at the moment. Stay away for a couple of years.
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5/1/2014 - Timbalimba wrote: 88 Points
Starts off shy and mute, old American oak and musky plum fruit on the nose. Gradually letting go and opening up to reveal perfumed raspberry and tobacco, Tempranillo style, vanilla and herbs. Medium to full on the palate, good integration, crunchy primary raspberry battles with secondary strawberries-soaked-in-brandy. Good finish, crisp, raspberry pips and nutty oak.
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