2/2010:91 An enticing sipper being a regal crimson with soft berry and earth fragrances, having a reasonable film with lots of tears that are quick to form. On the full side of medium-bodied and a very interesting first sip: a combination of crushed blackberries, tobacco and raisins leaving the palate with much to ponder. Smooth with a noticeable viscosity carrying through to a long, fresh finish and coating the lips. Should be great with grilled meats adding much to pork tenderloin or chops, a lamb shank, honey smoked bacon slabs. Cellaring for a couple of years should be interesting.

It is about time I rated this wine, as I am a huge fan of the 2002 reserva (do a search for it here). I tried this wine twice before, but was unable to rate it due to circumstance. So finally, this medium bodied, fruity wine has nice aromas (1 pt out of 2) of black cherry, black currant, vanilla and pine. It has refined tannins (decant for 15 min, but is at its best between 1 to 1.5 hours after opening) and a medium to long finish with subtle notes of violets. This wine is good to drink now or can be aged (for sure it will evolve nicely) for 5 or more years. My impression: Quite NICE - buy, buy, buy, THERE IS NOTHING BETTER AT THIS PRICE RANGE. Tasted Apr/10.

If you would like to see wines I recommend and that are still available at the LCBO, please visit this link (listed in my profile):

http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recomended-wines-you-can-still-buy

89
April 2010