March 16, 2024 - Tired, and barely alive.
October 26, 2023 - Quite swampy initially and indeed, it never ceased to drink "older" than I expected from a Gran Riserva from strong vintage. Still, this was a very nice, mature Rioja. Probably as good as it gets for this middle of the pack producer.
June 7, 2021 - Light to mid ruby color with mild bricking from the age. Mix of alcohol and light fruit on the nose still quite pleasant. Palate is less pleasant, somewhat degenerated. Now old oak and acid dominated, with a little prune fruit in the background. Not objectionable but well over its prime, although i see comments from nearly 10 years ago saying the same thing, makes me wonder.
July 27, 2019 - Maturing well. Dark fruit, spice and enough acidity to make the first guesses come in at Italy.
February 23, 2017 - Rioja Montecillo in Magum Tasting (Bodega Santa Cecilia - Madrid): Tempranillo and carignan with French oak at 80%.
Initially it smells like vomit. With air some notes muffled of acid tomato and glue. Wooden wardrobe of grandma's house.
On the palate shows a certain itch like rotten blue cheese thenbefore acidity. It was the winery's favorite vintage. Can't believe it.
Tempranillo con mazuelo en roble francés en un 80%.
Inicialmente huele a vómito. Con aire unas notas apagadas a tomate ácido y a pegamento. Madera de armario de la casa de la abuela.
Al paladar se nota un cierto picor como de queso azul podrido antes que la acidez. Fue la añada preferida de la enóloga de la bodega.
December 30, 2015 - Really enjoyed this wine. Somewhat surprised it held up so well. Nice fruit, good tannins. I don't think it will last until 2020.
October 26, 2014 - Poured Out. Way past prime. Might have spoiled, but no signs of problems. This does not age.
December 31, 2013 - over the hill. heavy bricking and flat/stewed fruit on the palate. drinkable but not interesting.
November 27, 2013 - This was a highly touted wine, that fell completely short. Most likely my fault for not drinking it in a timely fashion. Did not stand up well to cellaring for as long as I had laid it down. Ended up pouring most of it down the drain. Disappointing.
May 13, 2013 - Amazingly still good for a bottle this age and modest quality. Gamy and meaty with some fruit left. Tannins all but gone but not austere or lean. Very surprising and enjoyed it greatly.