Medium-strength plum and cherry aromas mix with earth and leather on a bouquet that’s not all that fruity but still shows fruit. In the mouth, there’s raspberry and red plum flavors floating on juicy, snappy acidity. Mouthfilling but hardly ponderous. Stylish in a somewhat classic mode.——M.S.(11/1/2006)—— 87

Initial and secondary nosings reveal some green notes and barnyard, which dissolve a bit if given time but never quite leave the scene. The mouth offers loud plum and berry flavors, with a somewhat tannic finish. Nonetheless, it features good Rioja attributes; in the final analysis it’s a fairly good wine. Imported by Quality Wines of Spain. ——M.S.(4/1/2006)—— 85