Even and light on its feet, this tasty wine presents a cedar, meat and cocoa-tinged nose. Soft for a Rioja, it reflects perhaps the light 1997 vintage, but neatly avoids the underripe green notes evident in so many of the year's wines. One gripe: this lacks what I consider appropriate weight or substance for a wine designated Reserva. Forgiving that, it's truly drinkable, with black plum and tar notes on the palate, and a modest but flavorful finish.
Even and light on its feet, this tasty wine presents a cedar, meat and cocoa-tinged nose. Soft for a Rioja, it reflects perhaps the light 1997 vintage, but neatly avoids the underripe green notes evident in so many of the year's wines. One gripe: this lacks what I consider appropriate weight or substance for a wine designated Reserva. Forgiving that, it's truly drinkable, with black plum and tar notes on the palate, and a modest but flavorful finish.
Even and light on its feet, this tasty wine presents a cedar, meat and cocoa-tinged nose. Soft for a Rioja, it reflects perhaps the light 1997 vintage, but neatly avoids the underripe green notes evident in so many of the year's wines. One gripe: this lacks what I consider appropriate weight or substance for a wine designated Reserva. Forgiving that, it's truly drinkable, with black plum and tar notes on the palate, and a modest but flavorful finish.