This is dark and tarry at first, with aromas of freshly laid asphalt, pepper, fine herbs, burnt toast and roasted berry. This feels racy, healthy and balanced, with a creamy quality to the palate. It tastes natural and correct, with plum, berry, vanilla and spice flavors. On the finish, it’s smooth with a strong oak-based vanilla flavor. Drink now through 2012. — (10/1/2012) —91

The essence of 2005 is captured in this creamy, rich offering that touches up against overripe but pulls back into balance at the last moment. Expect soft tannins, lots of coconutty oak and molasses notes along with a limited but easygoing finish. Drink soon.——M.S.(4/1/2008)—— 88

Flat, murky and mildly vegetal on the nose, and no matter how many times you swirl and sniff that’s what comes out of it. Bottom line: it’s a stewy, pruny Tempranillo with baked flavors and hard tannins.——M.S.(6/1/2007)—— 81