This one from a magnum, followed some Schramsberg Brut Rose

Prior Notes: "Bright pink/magenta. Nose more perfumed than prior vintages. Bright red fruits, strawberry, melon. Pinot character is evident in the flavors. Crisp, nicely acidic. Great now, will last a while if wanting to cellar"

This bottle nicely chilled, put over ice and drank over about 45 minutes. The difference was it sat on ice during the time we drank it. Valerie preferred it that way - keeps it more crisp for sure...if letting it warm in the glass it shows more depth and drinks more full bodied

From a magnum, chilled and aired for about 45 minutes prior to serving.

Medium to light gold color. Slight taint when first opened...was concerned it might be spoiled but blew off in a bit. Nose showing orchard fruits, caramel, floral/honey. Rich palate but not overdone, showing candied citrus, key lime, almond, oak. Buttery and minerals thought the mid palate and finish. Full body and finish.

A crowd favorite prior to this showing, it only cemented its status with this showing. Wasn't sure what to expect, 11 had a mixed reputation in CA (especially Napa), no signs of an off year with this bottle. In a great spot, well stored bottles still have a good arc in front of them.

Lone bottle in my cellar of this wine, a magnum purchased at the winery in Briones Spain and "sherpa'd" back in my luggage in 2014. A great tasting at the winery, but did not have this vintage on our visit...purchased on their recommendation. Decanted and re-bottled about 90 minutes prior to drinking.

Deep brick red color, tinge of tawny. Nose showing red berries, almonds, herbs, cocoa, cigar. Palate of leathery red fruits, cigar box, vanilla, coconut(?). Though the mid palate picked up some brown sugar, caramelized notes. Medium weight, long and supple finish

Really great showing on this evening, at 25 years old this is nicely aged, nuanced, great textures throughout. Well stored bottles could go a while... but worth opening one now if you have more than one. Interesting and unique rioja..

Last magnum...decanted for 3 hours prior to drinking. Last bottle of the evening, followed a 95 Rioja Gran Reserva.

Largely consistent with prior notes. Picked up more of a tart, brambly texture. Blueberry pie, cedar and plums still there. Still drinking young, if tasted blind I would have said under 10 years old...

In a great place right now, should hold at this level but not sure it gets too much better. Great wine from a great vintner!