June 10, 2023 - As mention below, fruits have muted and tannins have smoothed out almost completely, which feels like it cannot age any longer. Drink now.
It probably does not cut fatty food as well as tannins and acidity are no longer present.
April 5, 2023 - wow...still young...stored in a temp controlled cellar since release....deep blueberry/cherry...integrated with a bit of allspice.
October 25, 2022 - From 75cl, cork almost rotten under foil, but sound at wine end. Absurdly heavy bottle. Monolithic, sweet, fat, blackberry fruit; low acidity, high alcohol; mealy-pasty texture. Thick and rich, this is yet another bodybuilder "luxury" Spanish wine from the early 2000s. How weird to think I paid 20% more for this on release than I did for the 2001 vintage of Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva, and roughly the same price as for Alion 2001. How times change (and how I wish I had followed my own instincts instead of the ridiculous hype and ratings in the wine press)! 87-88P
September 20, 2022 - Deep garnet. Nose is subtle and didn’t blossom over 3 hours. Nose had hints of coffee and dried herbs. Taste was more forthcoming, with dried herbs and spices such as black pepper and herbs. Good, smooth.
May 9, 2022 - I drank this a few days ago and forgot to post a review.
Those who say this wine is past its prime and those who say it's still drinking well are both right. It all depends on your preferences. The fruit is integrated, yet muted, without being muddled -- sort of like a compote, reduction, or mixed-berry preserves made with no added sugar. There is a distinct dried plum note that isn't yet pruny. A good tobacco and cedar undertone was present, as it should be with most Spanish reds. However, the tannins have run their course, which is probably the biggest justification for advising to drink this soon. It would be a shame to hoard this longer, only to experience the fruit dry out and/or disintegrate. If you have the opportunity to share this with someone who has little experience with an aged wine, please do so for the educational value.
April 20, 2022 - Deep ruby color persists in spite of age. Nots of licorice and black fruit remain but not as prominent in bottles drunk previously. My last 2001-on to the 2005's
April 13, 2022 - Slightly past it's drinking interval but still delicious. Deep ruby color with notes of blackberries and licorice still present. Drank over 2 days and still enjoyable on day 2.
March 21, 2022 - Near the end of it's drinking interval but still delicious. Deep ruby color with licorice and blackberries on the nose and palate.
March 10, 2022 - Near the end of it's drinking Interval but it still retains a deep ruby color. Licorice on the nose with blackberry fruit on the mid palate.
March 7, 2022 - Little bit past it's Ideal drinking interval but still very good. Deep purple color-no brick as yet. Licorice and blackberries on the nose. Still full bodied on the mid palate. Much better preserved than the 2000.