Dark purple. Powerful, deeply pitched black and blue fruit, licorice, pipe tobacco and violet scents are sharpened by mineral and peppery spice elements. Broad, sweet and seamless on the palate, offering concentrated cassis and cherry compote flavors accented by exotic allspice and black cardamom nuances. Shows unlikely vivacity for its brawn and finishes with superb energy and thrust, with supple tannins quickly absorbed by the wine's plush fruit. Distinctly modern but in no way unwieldy or gaudy in character, this sexy Rioja has a fine track record for aging. -- Josh Raynolds