Rating for Spain-Dominiaciones de Origen (DO)-Rioja: 92 (good year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: young, aging quickly, could be good now<br/>

Inky violet with low rim variation. Opens with medium plus oak and cherry which dissipates to plums, cranberries, hibiscus, and tomatoes. Surprising burst of early cherry fruit which segues into medium acids and low tannins. Fine example of Rioja with medium-low alcohol. Food friendly -- enjoyed with pan de tomate, jamon Serrano, meatballs with almond sauce, etc.

color cereza con tonos rubíes. nariz floral con notas de regaliz y frutas del bosque, notas de chocolate y tostado leve. ataque discreto y elegante, con buen balance aunque delgado y falto de estructura.

Smells of tobacco at first, later a dark fruit scent added. Same dark fruit flavor with more tannins in the finish than we are used to. Good wine, but not $18 worth.

Good after breathing very fruity and berry. Nice.

drinkable w/ deprh

12/28/10 home.

top of my list