A very fruity, forward wine that’s rich and friendly and quite delicious. The nose tips things off with black plum, chocolate and other sweet, dense aromas, while the palate is full of boysenberry, raspberry, cherry and fine tannins and overall balance. Simply put, this is a fine RDD with vibrancy and lots of quality. Drink now–2018. ——M.S.(10/1/2010)—— 92

Potent and promising on the nose, with rich, deep black fruit, coffee and deftly applied oak. As it airs out it only gets better, with driving berry fruit flavors, thickness, structure and trimmings like clove, baking spice and exotic spices. Long and pure on the finish, and outstanding as a whole. The best Rodero wine we’ve rated to date; drink now or hold through 2015.——M.S.(12/15/2009)—— 94

A lot of bacon, open-cut wood and charcoal on the nose, all of which adds up to blast of heavy overt oak, clearly American. The palate is slightly choppy, with cherry and plum resting below a veneer of lively oak. Finishes a touch buttery and fat, with spunky, scouring tannins. Still, this is a true Ribera red, just not at that higher echelon. Imported by Billington Imports. ——M.S.(10/1/2005)—— 87

Sweet and solid, with true-form tree bark, root vegetable and black fruit aromas. Ripe strawberry and raspberry carry the healthy palate toward a smooth, juicy, satisfying finish. Very well balanced and correct at all major checkpoints. ——M.S.(9/1/2004)—— 90