Baked berry, earth and black tea aromas give this wine a solid opening, while the mouthfeel is gritty but honest. Flavors of brown sugar and lightly baked berry fruit indicate the warmth and stony soils of Cigales, while the finish hints at cassis liqueur. Drink now before it fades.——M.S.(4/1/2010)—— 87

Amid all the big, dark wines coming out of Spain, it’s sometimes nice to see a lighter-styled, old-school example such as this. The color is brick, while the nose is light, leathery and dosed with cranberry and raspberry. The feel is fresh and lively, with fresh-fruit flavors, tomato leaf and a touch of vanilla and spicy oak. Definitely a wine to drink now.——M.S.(4/1/2009)—— 88

Round and ripe, with a touch of rich prune and warm earth on the spice-cabinet nose. Fairly oaky, with coconut and raspberry flavors. That coconutty character sticks with it through the finish, which is slightly tannic. ——M.S.(11/1/2006)—— 86