1 | Wine | Spain, 91 to 95, 2009

"Aromas of toasty oak, graphite, balsamic, incense, and black fruits are followed by a dense, powerful Tempranillo from the great 2009 vintage. Rich, savory, and pleasure bent, it is a great value."

"It has a well-defined strawberry, Morello and shortcake-scented bouquet infused with fennel and licorice. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, expressive red berry fruit tinged with burnt toast and white pepper, and an elegant, caressing finish that speaks of its place. This is a very commendable Rioja."

"Glass-staining ruby. Seductive aromas of blackberry and blueberry preserves, cherry-cola and rose, with a sexy incense note and a touch of allspice. Stains the palate with dark berry compote and spicecake flavors, with zesty minerality adding cut. Blends depth and vivacity smoothly, finishing with impressive clarity, a kiss of vanillin oak and lingering sweetness."

"The 2009 Signo Bobal (a blend of 90% Bobal and 10% Syrah) may be the finest Bobal-based wine I have ever had. It was bottled without fining or filtration after spending time in mostly French and some American oak. It boasts a dense purple color along with wonderful sweet, jammy strawberry and black cherry notes intermixed with floral, licorice, graphite and spice characteristics. This dense red reveals a terrific texture as well as a full-bodied mouthfeel, yet it is light on its feet. This amazing Bobal should drink well for 3-4 years." -Robert Parker

"Light, bright gold. Complex, highly fragrant aromas of peach pit, melon and orange peel, with musky floral and mineral qualities gaining strength with air. Lush and expansive on the palate, offering intense, well-defined citrus fruit and anise flavors lifted by chalky minerality. At once powerful and lithe, with excellent finishing clarity and a lingering note of bitter orange."

"Intense, perfumed aromas of cherry-cola, black raspberry and violet, with a suave mineral underpinning. Juicy and precise, with very good clarity and lift to its dark fruit and floral pastille flavors. Repeats the mineral and floral notes on the finish, which lingers with very good persistence. This is balanced to age."

"Its name is derived from the ancient caves under San Vicente de la Sonsierra castle where the old cellar is located. It has a seductive bouquet with beautifully defined, precise, graphite-tinged black and blueberry fruit that unfolds with passing moments. The palate has immense purity and sense of symmetry and gently grips the mouth on the long, elegant finish. If you cannot afford Contador, well, this sure as hell comes close!"

"Glass-staining ruby. Sexy, oak-spiced aromas of dark berry compote, cola and violet, with subtle vanilla and underbrush nuances. Broad and sweet on the palate, offering ripe blackberry and cherry-vanilla flavors and slow-mounting smokiness. The floral note comes back on the finish, which clings with impressive tenacity and focus. Shows good energy for a ripe vintage."