Raisin, cedar, tobacco and spice flavors mingle in this light-bodied, traditional-style red. It's a bit dry on the finish. Drink now. 3,500 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

Lopez de Heredia is known for classic, lightweight Riojas, and this wine fits that bill. The color is rusty, the nose raisiny and sherried. Plenty of leather and puckery acidity keep it lively, but there isn’t much fruit beyond pie cherry and rhubarb. Very stylistic and not for everyone, but if you like the Old-World mode, here it is, front and center.——M.S.(3/1/2004)—— 86

The poster-boy wine for old Rioja is indeed tasting and acting old, even more so than its eight years. It’s orange in color, with nothing but acidity on the palate. The best part is the intriguing nose, which offers vanilla, citrus peel and saddle leather. Unfortunately, there’s nothing left of this wine’s body. It’s emaciated.——M.S.(9/1/2004)—— 84