Floral, honeyed, black fruit. Dense black berries and sloes, plenty of minerality, firm tannins and a lovely, fresh, juicy finish.

Deep and dark, with attractive berry aromas. No mulchy, overoaked interference at all; it’s a clean wine with a medium-to-full body and lightly buttered berry, cherry and raspberry flavors. A mouthfilling, honest Rioja reserva with texture and a bit of vanilla on the finish.——M.S.(12/15/2009)—— 90