Purple in color. The nose is clean with fresh cherries and a bit of dill. On the palate, cherries with a bit of coffee. Light tannins. Good balance. This seems to be about at peak right now. It is very food friendly with stews and meats being a good choice. It should be good for another decade. This is, however, a very expensive wine with current vintages costing over $200 per bottle. This was apparently around $100 on release.
Seems like a pretty modern take on Rioja. Ruby in color. The nose has cherries, slight dust, and a bit of black cherries. On the palate, this is drinking well. Cherries, black cherries with medium tannins. Nice finish. Easy drinking but also a bit of depth. This will please with or without food. This retails for around $20 which is a great value.
Ruby in color with slight browning. The nose has spice, clay and cherries. It also has a ton of dill which was off putting to some. The dill does carry thru to the palate, so be warned if that is a sensitivity. Others liked it. Firm tannins. Nice black cherry fruit. Good balance. Works better with food than alone. Pretty classic Rioja in style.
I used to drink a lot of this wine and earlier vintages back in the day. Its been a while, but when a friend popped the cork, it was fun. Still a great wine. Ruby in color. The nose is earthy with slight barnyard. Cherries, slight dill, and slighter vanilla. On the palate, cherry fruit with a bit of cherry cough drops. Good acidity. Very food friendly. Softer texture. Nice depth. Seems to be drinking at or near peak but no hurry.
Brought back from Spain by a neighbor after meeting with the owners. This is drinking well now and traditional. Ruby in color. The nose is dusty with cherries and slight dried dill. On the palate, this seems to be just slightly past prime but still drinking well. Dried and fresh cherries with no tannins. Easy drinking. Food friendly. A very good value although drinking in the first couple of years from vintage is a good idea.
It had been a long time since I tried this ubiquitous Rioja wine. It is still very good and an excellent value at around $15. Purple/garnet in color. The nose is nice with spice, cherries and slight black cherries. With air some vanilla comes out. On the palate, this is soft and accessible. Light tannins. Cherries and slight dill. Good finish. This will work with almost any food.
