"Inky ruby. Spice-accented aromas and flavors of black and blue fruits and cola, with notes of dark chocolate and licorice. Concentrated and powerful on the palate, with a spicy note building with air. Intense licorice, blackcurrant and bitter cherry notes linger on the spicy, youthfully tannic finish. Outstanding value here; there are very few all-graciano Riojas made, and they all cost a lot more than this one."

"One of the better bargains in Spanish red wine is the 2009 El Castro de Valtuille Joven. Fermented and aged in tank, it exhibits a carbonic maceration-like nose (although it’s not). Sweetly fruited, ripe, and designed for immediate gratification, this tasty effort goes down easy."