Interesting style, quite rich and nutty for a wine from the Côte des Blancs - vinous and slightly earthy, but then again, it is from Vertus, so this makes sense. Juicy and rounded, lively mousse, apple and citrus, well-integrated dosage (7 gr/l), good length.

Rich and vinous style, consistent with the warm vintage, old vines and heavy soils; the ripe fruit (peach, melon) easily buffers the spicy oak, but it is not particularly well-defined; there is a lovely savoury, mealy note on the palate, good weight (13% ABV) and balance, soft acidity; good resonance and length. Satisfying rather than elegant, drink young.

Classical style, leathery and spicy, cedar, cool and mineral, slender and elegant in style, medium weight, fresh, complex fruit (red berries, hint of plum), perfectly integrated oak, savoury touch, good intensity and length. It is a solid Rioja, but for some reason I was expecting more from this wine in a great vintage like 2004.