Review by: Robert Parker
Wine Advocate: Issue 145, February 2003
Rating: 92 points
Drink now - 2015
This superb blend of 85% old vine Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 3% Grenache, and 2% miscellaneous grapes is bottled unfiltered after spending two years in French and American oak. It consistently exhibits a Bordeaux-like character (especially Graves) in its notes of scorched earth, graphite, leather, tobacco, spice box, and sweet black currant fruit. Not a blockbuster, it is an elegant, stylish offering that builds incrementally in the mouth offering considerable sweetness as well as fruit. Medium-bodied, pure, and nuanced, it is an intellectual Spanish red that requires introspection, but there is considerable pleasure and complexity to be found. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2015.
Review by: Thomas Matthews
Wine Spectator: Issue October 31, 2003
Rating: 87 points
Drink now - 2010
Focused and polished, with black cherry, smoke and mineral flavors on a firm yet graceful frame. Drink now through 2010.