Geoffrey Turnbull

9.1

Somm Factory II – Evolution
Session #6 Italy VS Spain
Ac: M+
Alc: M+
B: M+
T: M+
S: Dry
Ruby
Nose: cheese, slight musty quality/earthiness. Soy/balsamic smells.
Stewed dark fruit, (cherry, field berry)
This wine has been breathing through old wood. Strikes of American wood. Dill, sappy. This is super typical Rioja. I like this a lot. — 10 years ago

Joel Hodorek

9.3

A delicious Gran Reserva, slight cidery/oxidized notes. Solid tannin core, needs a few years to settle down. — 11 years ago

Aaron Miller

9.3

Originally gave this a 9. Then it got to breathe for s bit, and I came back and upped to 9.3. Good at first, great once it opens. — 11 years ago

MICHAEL COOPER DipWSET

Owner TomeVinos wine shops, WSET Level 3, Blogger www.spanishwinesandmore.com, blog.tomevinos.com

9.2

Medium ruby, youthful color, quite intense aromas of thyme flower, rhubarb and raspberries in liquor. Dry with a sweet tartness and strawberries and cherries. Ripe fruit. Subtle spice of ground red pepper seeds and a little smokey. Warm. With the fruit that it has it begins to resemble a Barbaresco or a Rioja. — 11 years ago

with -

B

9.2

2001 La Rioja Alta Gran Riserva. Drank at lunch w K, A&S on New Years Day after walking around. Super earthy and funky. K bought after tasting in Barcelona. A really loved it. Was interesting and great to drink. I would have preferred a bit more fruit. — 11 years ago

Gary Westby

Champagne & Sherry buyer K&L Wines

8.9

This is one of the most successful European 2003's I have had, rich but not overripe or hot, with an American oak vanillin frame for strong dark fruit. It is a little volatile on the back end but also refreshing. Very nice with lamb stew and peas! — 11 years ago

with Cleora

Gwendolyn Smith

9.3

Full body a bit spicy - love it! — 11 years ago

Jake Perez

8.9

Could have passed as a Bordeaux it was so good, but s wonderful red from my favorite region in Spain. Lively fruit, silky tannins and 100% tempranillo from a former Vega Sicilia winemaker. — 11 years ago

David Jones

9.6

One of my favorite Spanish wines. No question. This is the best year I've had, 2001, although I've had the 04's through 09's. Thanks to Wine-Searcher for helping find a good price in the U.S. — 11 years ago

Patti Robison

Sommelier Balena

9.6

After about 30 mins...it was singing. Drinking like a 90's instead of a 30+ yr old wine. — 11 years ago

with Philippe