Overwhelming impression: Bitter. Even after two hours. Structure is off. Elevated alcohol, tannin and extraction. Only its acidity saves this as a food wine; not enjoyable as a sipper.
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Initial tasting was overwhelming vanilla and oak, but more nuanced once opened up on the second day. Sandalwood and rose aromas, cherry and nutmeg before vanilla and then the oak in the velvety finish. Concentrated flavours though not much heat given the 14.5% abv. I was unconvinced by a first bottle 6 months ago but this is now starting to drink beautifully.
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10/9/2023 - adbdorset Likes this wine: 89 Points
Definitely needs a decant. A good hour it settles down, warm rich fruit and vanilla finish. This needs more time just entering its window I think.
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10/4/2023 - redders Likes this wine: 88 Points
Delicious rioja, great QPR. Perfect mid week wine
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11/6/2022 - Stoic Warrior wrote: 86 Points
Overwhelming impression: Bitter. Even after two hours. Structure is off. Elevated alcohol, tannin and extraction. Only its acidity saves this as a food wine; not enjoyable as a sipper.
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7/1/2022 - Stoic Warrior wrote: 87 Points
First bottle from case. Serviceable. The classic style of La Rioja Alta is evident but this Wine Society blend lacks personality. Fair value.
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6/19/2022 - Jaymnik Likes this wine: 90 Points
Initial tasting was overwhelming vanilla and oak, but more nuanced once opened up on the second day. Sandalwood and rose aromas, cherry and nutmeg before vanilla and then the oak in the velvety finish. Concentrated flavours though not much heat given the 14.5% abv. I was unconvinced by a first bottle 6 months ago but this is now starting to drink beautifully.
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