Concentrated to the hilt, with molten black fruit, coconut and mint aromas. The palate is driven, tannic, pure and features dynamite flavors of black fruit, bitter chocolate and spice cake. So beautiful and big, but also showing elegance and restraint. Drinkable now but will age well for another seven years or more.——M.S.(4/1/2010)—— 96

Nice, brawny and integrated, with sexy aromas of wild berry, dark plum, leather and earth. The palate has the right weight and tannic grab, while the flavors of black fruit, fine herbs, cola and coffee are measured yet generous. Finishes with driving chocolate and vanilla flavors. Drink now through 2016. ——M.S.(6/1/2010)—— 93

If Chateau Latour were produced in Rioja, it might taste like this. A blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 3% Grenache, and 2% miscellaneous grapes, this old vine, unfiltered offering is extremely tight, reserved, and backward, but, oh, what potential! Aged in both French and American oak, it exhibits a promising nose of black cherry jam, smoky wood, licorice, and black currants. Dense and huge, with formidable tannin, outstanding concentration, and an unevolved, backward personality, it requires 3-5 years of bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2020. Impressive! Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates From Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

The dense, opaque dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by a full-bodied, fruit-driven wine that should develop into a splendid Rioja. It possesses a moderately intense nose of black raspberries, toast, licorice, and minerals. Concentrated, expansive, and crammed with fruit, this layered, multi-dimensional, spicy wine only hints at its considerable complexity. The finish is long (20 seconds or more), and the wine reveals flawless balance between its structural components (acidity, alcohol, and tannin). While it has a degree of accessibility, 2-5 years of cellaring will be beneficial. It should age well for 15-20 years. Wow! With this debut release, this estate's proprietor is already being declared a rising star by the Spanish wine press. The 1994 Rioja Old Vines Unfiltered (7,000 cases produced) is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 3% Garnacha, and 2% miscellaneous varietals, made from vines ranging between 31-96 years in age. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, this wine spent one year in fermentation tanks before being moved to 225 liter French and American oak barrels for two years of aging. Known for his severe selection, this producer has fashioned a wine that will cause considerable excitement. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates From Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767