772 | Wine | Rioja | Page 4

"Exotic aromas of raspberry and blackberry preserves, cherry-vanilla, cola, incense and potpourri. Weighty, creamy red and dark berry flavors are sweetened by vanillin oak and enlivened by pepper and spice qualities. The dark berry notes build with air and carry through the long, sweet finish."

"It has a fresh, floral bouquet with dark cherry and blueberry fruit that offers commercial appeal. The palate is supple and rounded on the entry with bright cassis fruit and a svelte, satisfying finish that coats the mouth."

"It displays an aromatic array of cedar, tobacco, spice box, and black cherry. This is followed by a smooth-textured, savory, elegant offering that can be approached now but will last for another 5-7 years. It, too, is a solid value."

"Saturated ruby. Pungent cherry and dark berry aromas, with spice and floral nuances adding complexity. Sweet and concentrated, but with excellent cut and vivacity to its dark fruit flavors. Builds and deepens toward the back, finishing with a sappy floral quality and resonating spiciness. Offers very good richness of flavor with no excess fat."

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

"The 2009 Crianza is sourced from Rioja Alta and Alavesa: pure Tempranillo aged in French and American barrels for 12 months. It has a perfumed bouquet of ripe strawberry and Morello, with well-integrated oak that allows the fruit to shine. The palate is very supple and rounded on the entry with corpulent red cherry and cassis fruit. The finish is well-defined, crisp and vibrant, lingering nicely in the mouth."

"It has a very well-defined bouquet with crisp blackberry, cassis and licorice-scented fruit with fine minerality. The palate is medium-bodied with edgy tannins, crisp acidity and a lovely licorice, white pepper and citrus-fresh finish that is linear and nicely focused."