Tim Atkin | Tannic and a little dry and evolved overall. There is firm, decent acidity, but the fruit has disappeared. Slightly prune-like. Lacks mid-palate fruit weight. | 89

Simon Field | Dense ruby color. Appealing nose of fig, plums, roses, and just a hint of fennel; there is fruit not too far behind (this is Rioja, after all). An elegant balletic palate with acidity coursing through the veins of structural integrity, the fruit pleasingly rejoined—then a long, reassuring finish. | 91

Andrew Jefford | Deep, dense black-red, opaque at the core and garnet at the rim. Warm and expansive aromas, though without huge fruit precision: soft, earthy, and open. Vanilla and incense spice. And a touch of smoke, too. Powerful, lively, insistent, and masterful fruits dominate the palate. This is a searchingly deep Rioja that still needs a little time to settle, open, and ooze. It’s very brisk for now—but very good in that style. | 92