Medium aromas of plum, tart cherries, cranberries, violets. Prominent vanilla, oak, leather, cinnamon, black olive. The acidity is crisp and refreshing. Medium length of baking spice, pepper, thyme. Tannins aren't overly drying, but noticeable. This wine would ideally be paired with food. It was quite bitter until it was decanted for an hour, then it really opened up. Great value for a quality Rioja.