Miguel Merino, Reserva, Rioja

Very nice. Fresh red fruits to start, earthier with air. The acidity was crisp and the tannic structure still considerable. No oxidation or stewiness. A well aged wine.

Well that's more like it - this bottle showed better than the one a year ago. Quite nice.

Pretty good stuff. Not as much acidity as I'd prefer (and typically find from old-skool Rioja producers), but certainly not an overly modern gloppy French-oaky mess. This was the kind of moderately low-acid and fairly full-bodied masculine Reserva that makes me think "blood" (really it smells & tastes more of dried red berries than of blood, but, you know, neither tangy nor sweet). I'd have called it earthy - certainly more so than the Blaufrankisch on the table or any …

Exceptionally dark red cherry color. After putting it to your nose you never want to put it down again. Swoshes of fruit, berries, nuts and spices keeps hanging in the nose. In the mouth the wine is full bodied with perfect acidity and well balanced tannins. The fruit and the oak is integrated close to perfection leaving this wine lingering in the mouth for what feels for ever. Defantly a must have winee from Rioja. 5/5

I loved the initial nose and taste with cherry and cedar. WIth time it fell apart and became somewhat sour rather than richer. It just lacked a bit of the complexity I would have preferred.

Incredibly dark, brilliant purple in color, showing vibrant rose, dark fruit and spice aromas on the nose with just a touch of forest floor and dill notes. Great, lively acidity in the mouth from beginning to end, with a lush, round mouthfeel. Medium in body with silky fine tannins that gently fade to a black pepper, chocolate and dark cherry finish. This is an incredible wine! 5/5

Nice deep color with a nose that is dusty with cinnamon, oak, marzipan, spice box and dill. With a little time it continues to evolve with caradom, sweet cherry and more. Light minerals mingle on the palate with fine tannins, and lead to cherry flavors that succulent and spicy. This is a great wine, with perfect balance and a finish that leaves my mind wandering. One note, this wines acidity is so well integrated and plays a great balance while …