Opens with aromas of burnt leaves, roasted bell pepper and tomato and finally secondary red fruit. The palate is saturated but hard, with herbal, leafy, dry red-fruit flavors and a backing of cured meat. Herbal late, with some old-school cherry and tobacco. A tough wine, but at least it’s something different. ——M.S.(2/1/2011)—— 86

Prieto Picudo is a native Spanish variety that has its limitations and oddities. This one, however, is well done, with fiery aromas of cherry, wild herbs and tea, and then a palate of red cherry and raspberry fruit. Juicy and angular, but pretty good when totaled up.——M.S.(11/1/2009)—— 85