100% Tempranillo that spent 14 months in a combination of French and American oak, the soft 2004 Lanzaga is not as appealing as the L Z cuvee. I enjoyed its zesty, earthy, black cherry, cedar, and herb characteristics, but there was not much of a finish.

A little rough around the edges, i.e. there’s a sharp note to the nose and then lots of barrel char to back that up. There’s black fruit, pepper and lots of oak on the palate, which has a full feel and then firm, clamping tannins. ——M.S.(8/1/2008)—— 87