Tim Atkin: Deep, plummy, almost opaque in color. Big, bold, lots of oak, almost pruney, very ripe, but well made. Black fruits, sweet oak, touch of licorice. Firm finish. A very polished modern wine, but hard to recognize as Rioja. Lots of oak, slightly too ripe. Modern. 15

Jesús Barquín: Medium to deep cherry. Despite its youth there is true Rioja character in this wine; it is serious and long. While still in the making, it is on the right track. Intermediate. 16.5

Marcel Orford-Williams: Big on color. Ripe blackberry, even dark olive. Very full. Complex, rich. Good middle and very long. Still needs time, but drinking well in a year or so. New-style. 14.5