January 3, 2024 - A softer more straightforward Ardanza? Lacks the vibrancy of 2007 even if it is considered a better year.
October 26, 2023 - Same as previous except the flavours showed a bit more energy/tanginess/fruit.
October 20, 2023 - One of my favorites from the La Rioja Alta, this bottling follows more of a rustic old world style with plenty of Bayleaf, balsamic, Worcestershire, but still balanced and delicious. For the quality of the wine, it’s a real value!
October 7, 2023 - from magnum. still primary and delicious. love this vintage of LRA
September 4, 2023 - Probably among the best $25 wines you can ever find.
August 9, 2023 - Resolved and fully developed. Drink now to 2026.
April 3, 2023 - In a good place. Drink now to 2026.
March 23, 2023 - Decanted 5 hours before drinking. Really start to find a good drinking window. A bit less structured and less fruit forward than the 2010, but starting to find some of the mature notes. Still some rubbery notes. Very enjoyable. 91 points.
March 10, 2023 - Vibrant and elegant in equal measure. I gave this about 1h of air, not sure that's needed. Medium garnet color. Offers dried cherry, fig, oak, leather, dill and a hint of charcoal. Extremely smooth and rich on the palate. Medium-bodied, with cherry, dirt and salinity, streaked with caramel and supported by polished tannins. The oak is a bit of an outlier here, poking itself out somewhat unappealingly. It doesn't detract enough to really affect things, but if it mellows over the next few years this could really be something.
January 27, 2023 - Ageing beautifully. Prior bottle 4 years ago was well reviewed but added depth and textures coming through now.