Abel Mendoza, Seleccion Personal, Rioja

Once again very good. Fruit driven, powerfull but not overwhelming and very fleshy. This is pure fun in the glass.

On its peak. Luscious fruit, soft discreet oak tannins, intense, light in weight. Bravo

In a way, disappointet. 2007 was such a beautiful expirience, but 2014 is in general a year I don't really like in La Rioja. Very closed nose, giving away nothing but reduction and stiffness. There is a lot of unresolved tannin and a lot of black fruit but in very rustic way. No real fun today.

Dark, soft fruit in the nose. Right after opening very ready to drink and not that far away from the Jarrarte Crianza. But some hours after opening you are getting much more depth, spices and complexity compared to the wonderful Jarrarte Crianza 2010. This is very good and gives great joy, appears still very young, in a good way. Has years to go and speaks very well of the 2007 vintage. 92-93+ points.

18m French oak. Fresh, snappy red and black fruit. Far and away best set of wines at this tasting.

Abel Mendoza (Rioja) : Dense ruby to slightly purple rim. Nose more savoury. Not quite meaty but there's more to this than just the fruit (in the dark red spectrum). Equally grippy. Quite full. Again, needs cellar time.*(***)