Brian reviewed this wine:
I should be more objective and restrained, but...
THIS IS A BARGAIN!
Sorry for shouting, but it's true. For fans of Rioja. For fans of Spanish wine. For fans of red wine. This is indeed a bargain.
Oh, my!
Don't let the appearance fool you. It's deep and dark in the glass. The wine is not filtered, so there's a mat appearance in the glass. Winemakers who choose not to use filtration do so to preserve flavour. That's certainly the case here.
Serve this wine in a good glass that will show off the nose. You'll be rewarded with plentiful cherry and a hint of allspice.
But all this is merely prologue to the palate of full-bodied cherry on a foundation of oak, with hints of allspice, raisin and blackberry. The result is very well balanced, dry and refreshing. it lingers on the palate in a lovely extended aftertaste that encourages you to linger, relax and enjoy this wine.
This is a treat with a leftover turkey recipe. It also goes well with small plates including lamb.
We've put a case in the cellar. I've made notes that it can keep until 2017. Somehow, though, I don't think it's going to stay in the cellar that long.
This isn't the best Rioja in our cellar. But at this price, who cares?