June 9, 2023 - Dark Garnet with some brick on the rim. Nose of green olive tapenade, dark fruit, some spice box undertone. Body has partially resolved tannins and freshness to keep in balance , medium long finish Nice wine. Brings back memories of Rioja outside of Logrono. A tapas of grilled duck liver on baguette bread would be perfect.
January 23, 2023 - Tannins have dissipated but wine in still primary, so I assume this is a good drinking window. Not a complex wine but enjoyable with a piece of red meat.
November 25, 2020 - Gang of 4 in Covid19 times; Margaux versus Pauillac (@ RW): This wine was already open for a day and showed some signs of oxidation. There was good acidity and pleasant vanilla from the oak, but no score from me today.
May 2, 2020 - This wine has aged beautifully and still has a few years left on it. Luscious, rich. Needs to be opened an hour or two before drinking. Amazing QPR.
March 11, 2020 - Cellaraid Discovery Box; 5/19/2017-5/26/2021 (Delivered to Home): Deep ruby core with some fading garnet at the rim, viscous and highly extracted. Pronounced nose with mint chocolate and meaty aromas, as well as dried prunes and paprika. Still a firm structure, and high alcohol, yet quite fleshy and silky. Flavours of ripe blackberry, menthol, dark chocolate, bit of tar, and chilli pepper. A long finish. Great!
December 28, 2018 - Very dry, with good concentration and balance. Surprisingly Bordeaux-like Rioja, I like it.
May 19, 2017 - This is more modern and more contemporary than the traditional red fruits and cream Vina Alberdi. It has aromas of black raspberries,earthy cedar from the French oak, plums, flowers, strawberries and licorice. Its medium bodied, chunky, broadly shouldered palate has got wells of fruit, a plush and nicely earthy cedary fruity middle. Ends mediumish and tangy. Needs a couple of hours aeration. I prefer the Alberdi as it Pinotes more. But this is excellent. Good QPR at around 16 Euros.
January 29, 2017 - Dark red in the glass. Dark red and blue fruit on the nose and palate — with hints of strawberry even — with notes of chocolate, oak, and barn. Medium weight in the mouth with very fine tannins and mild acidity. Overall an elegant, well balanced, and pleasant Rioja at a good QPR.
December 7, 2016 - Dark red-purple. Pleasing slightly funky and meaty nose, cooked plums. Dry on the palate, lots of black cherry fruit with smoky wood in the finish. Very nice modern expression of oaked tempranillo.
November 29, 2016 - Deep garnet red. Massive nose displaying sweet cherry, blueberry, dried plum and liquorice with splashes of secondary/tertiary aromas (Vanilla Coke drunk with freshly rolled Cuban cigars). Almost bone dry with medium tannins and acidity. Pure varietal and stylistic expression, showing a deep concentration of plum, sweet spices, coconut and wet leaves. Lot of bang for the buck here.