A rich, loamy red, with a pure beam of black cherry and cassis fruit flavors accented by savory fresh earth and mineral notes as well as sweet mocha, red licorice and dried flowers. Long and supple, with a creamy edge to the sculpted tannins. Very harmonious and drinkable now, but with concentration and fine knit, suggesting a good future. Drink now through 2032. 3,167 cases made, 317 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

This red is reserved, but has depth and harmony. Black cherry, leafy, loamy earth and mineral notes mingle over well-integrated tannins and firm acidity. It's balanced, fresh and long. Drink now through 2030. 6,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

Cedar, tobacco and spice notes give this smooth red a traditional character, framing cherry and leafy flavors supported by firm tannins and orange peel acidity. It's balanced and fresh. Drink now through 2023. 6,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

This burly red has an earthy character, with forest floor and mineral notes framing plum and licorice flavors. Shows good density, with firm tannins and enough acidity for balance. Drink now through 2024. 400 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

If the 2011 felt young, the 2012 Barón de Chirel Reserva is a puppy with all that baby fat to be burned in bottle. In this warm, ripe vintage the blend was 75% Tempranillo and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. There is ripe black fruit and creamy notes that show very primary and unevolved, like if it has just come out of the fermentation oak vats and it had only undergone a short élevage instead of the 18 months in French oak barriques. The palate is quite powerful and ripe with a little bit of warmth toward the finish. It develops some hay and straw notes with time in the glass. This feels the more modern of the three vintages of Chirel I tasted side by side, and I cannot make up my mind if that's a good or bad sign. Very good wine anyway. 12,000 bottles.