March 14, 2015 - My final bottle is more like a classic aged Bordeaux but not as complex. A surprise how much it changed in style. Very smooth velvety dark fruit, full body but not heavy and finishes with soft and mildly drying tannins. Friends loved it. Interesting to note how this wine changed character several times in the past 5 years.
August 4, 2013 - Better than my last bottle. Lots of fresh tasting dark fruit with some acidity and sour cherry on the finish. Mild tannins present on the finish as well.
December 29, 2012 - Tart berry, fully refined tannins. A nice effort, but the fruit is quite restrained and starting to fade a little. Decanted about 1 hour.
October 29, 2012 - Not usually a big fan of Rioja, but this 01 is nicely integrated. The oak creates a nice vanilla element but does not overpower. Tart red berry keeps it light along with the fully resolved smooth tannins. A fine expression at a great price.
August 5, 2012 - Dark, mixed fruits and somewhat sour finish. Tannins are quite chewy. Day 2 a bit more austere but not as good as bottles from 2011. Maybe past its peak.
May 22, 2012 - Decanted for 30 mins, didn't really need it, as soon as I popped the cork and poured I knew is was going to love this wine. The are a couple of reasons I loved it.
1. Smooth, still has nice fruit (for my taste), certainly not forward but not flat, silky texture
2. Great value, I think I bought this for $20 originally
3. I was fearful I let it go too long before drinking, but I was really happy with how the wine performed. It complimented the steaks, olive oil/rosemary potatoes and asparagus dinner. Everyone enjoyed this wine, especially Frank who usually dogs me if he doesn't like the wine. He didn't say a word except that he Really enjoyed dinner!
January 28, 2012 - This feels like an off bottle. Not as well structured as the previous bottles I had. Not too bad but certainly not what I expected and not much improvement on day 2 which was surprising. Maybe in a transition stage. Better with food. Let's see how the next one turns out. Would have rated it around an 86 compared to the previous ratings but will hold off until the next round.
January 2, 2012 - This has all the floral flavor and lightness that's so enjoyable. A little dip in the midpalate, but quite nice on either side.
August 22, 2011 - Evident bricking. On the nose, tart cherry, mushroom, earth, white pepper, vanilla, dried fruit, touch of menthol. Complex..! Mid weight on the palate, still hanging in with moderate structure. Med-long finish. Both palate and nose have lots of secondary characteristics from the bottle age, but also lovely fruit. Med-long finish. Nice.
July 8, 2011 - Very good Rioja for the age and money. Earthy, dry, and not over oaked. More traditional Tempranillo.