Tim Atkin: Mid ruby/garnet. Possibly a touch of cork on the first bottle. Very youthful for a 1995, structured, quite tannic (for Rioja). Dryish tannins, black fruits, lots of Tempranillo, quite a serious wine, firmish finish, but possibly starting to dry out. Second bottle better on the TCA front, but still a little dry and serious. Modern. 14.5

Jesús Barquín: Deep ruby cherry. A second bottle was opened due to a likely faulty first. Creamy, black fruit, extracted, licorice, menthol. The palate echoes the nose with earthy tannins but it is somewhat muted and lacking freshness. Modern. 15

Marcel Orford-Williams: Dry. Souless. Hard. Not much middle. No good. 7