2 | Wine | $10 to $20, 2007

"A glass-coating opaque purple color, it proffers aromas of mineral, underbrush, blueberry, blackberry, and milk chocolate. Velvety-textured and opulent on the palate, it has loads of flavor, enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish."

"It has a well-defined, harmonious nose of mocha, dark cherry, cranberry and cedar that wafts gently from the glass. The palate is very well-balanced with sappy dark berry fruit and crisp acidity. It shows good weight and a supple, pastille-like finish that is pure and silky smooth. This is an accomplished Reserva."

"Well-defined mulberry, cocoa and mint-scented bouquet that unfurls temptingly in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and crisp acidity, serving up notes of blackberry, melted asphalt, undergrowth and a sandalwood. The palate is medium-bodied with a touch of white pepper on the entry. It is underpinned by firm tannins: a solid structure that is classic in style, but one that melts and coalesces beautifully over the course of twenty minutes in the glass".

"Light and crisp, this red offers berry, herbal, smoke and cedar flavors over tart acidity, imparting focus and liveliness."

"It displays classic Rioja aromas of cedar, leather, mineral, a hint of balsamic, and assorted black fruits. Layered on the palate but slightly austere at present, it has the structure to evolve for another 4-6 years at which point it is likely to have filled out thus meriting a higher rating."

"Lush cherry-vanilla, pipe tobacco and mocha aromas are complemented by a sexy floral quality. Creamy and gently sweet, offering lively red and dark berry flavors, fully absorbed tannins and a late note of licorice. Very easy to drink, with good finishing clarity, breadth and an echo of dark chocolate."