Dark ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose.

This is reminiscent of the smell of smoke from wood burning fireplaces while on an evening walk.

Positives: This complex wine features cedar, sandalwood, plum, figs, dark cherry, cinnamon, cloves, mocha, vanilla, coconut, rosemary, sage, blueberry, mulberry and pipe tobacco. Medium body with medium+ tannins, good acidity & a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Very youthful for a Gran Reserva

Drink now or in the next 10 years on its own or pair it with rack of lamb.

Tasted: 3 April 2014

Top Pick

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9+/10, Total: 19.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

An excellent Rioja GR. It starts with a touch of funk that blows off quickly. Then the complexity shines with a perfumed nose and notes of cinnamon, clove, dark fruit, fig, hoisin, herbs and cedar. It's medium to full bodied feeling thick on the palate. More fruit replays along with smoke, tar, coffee, mocha and vanilla wrapped in a savoury package. Medium plus tannins and excellent length. A slight alcohol burn that doesn't feel integrated holds this back a point in my scoring. But no doubt an excellent wine. April 2015.

Sorry, this wine does not appeal enough to me for the price. I find it just a little bit rough, and has no "magic". I have had a lot of Rioja for a lot less money that is so much better than this.