Michael B

8.9

Definitely have been on a Tempranillo Journey lately and this grape has a lot to offer. This was a well made Tempranillo. Plums, mix of red and dark cherries, raspberries and hints of chocolate. Youthful tannin that should integrate well in the future. Would store for a few years before re-exploring.

— 13 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

Launched with the 1991 vintage by famous Vega Sicilia estate. Another chance to try the ‘13 a year later. Ruby with an array aromas of dark fruits, spice, floral and some oak. The palate shows strawberry, blackberry & plum flavors with hints of espresso and licorice surrounded with gentle oak. Tannins are a bit strong but needed to support the backbone of this tremendous wine. Well balance with acidity, full body, lingering finish ends with some fruit, oak, spice, and mineral character. Needs more time! — 6 hours ago

Peter Zandbergen

9.3

Second bottle this evening, drinking very well — 3 days ago

Liam Mycroft

9.3

So smooth, so complex, just in perfect condition after 9 years. — 6 days ago

Severn Goodwin

9.2

We recently pulled some cases out of storage, which haven't seen the light of day for nearly 15 years, so I'll have some fun posts in the next several months.

Nose has dry autumn leaves, ripe black cherry, dried tart cherry and a hint of coffee grounds.

Palate has ripe black cherry, dried blackberry, moist soil, mild tannins on the medium finish.

Decanted ~1.5 hours, heavy sediment in the bottle.

This bottle is in an interesting spot, either an off bottle or much too over the hill. We drank the 2003 Termes last night (the younger sibling) and it was much more enjoyable. Will save some for tomorrow to check for further development. We still have some chances at a good bottle of Numanthia, so hopefully the remaining bottles are a little more exciting.

24 Hour Update: A different wine today, ripe black cherry, ripe blackberry, dark chocolate, light baking spice, apparently it just needed loads of air after its very long slumber. Score update from 90 to 92 today, good juice. — 18 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Loads of dark fruit and alcohol right out of the bottle. (Reminds me of a New World wine). Dark plums with hints of purple flowers, black licorice and balsamic vinegar. Dusty tannins and balanced acidity. Tastes younger than it is. — 18 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.5

Rich, dense that is open & approachable showing dark fruits, licorice, vanilla spice, dried tea, herbs, smoke & tar. — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

A great example of a quality young Spanish “Crianza-Style” wine. Ruby red color. Aromas and flavors of black cherry, dried rose petals, herbs and vanilla. Hints of smoke and black pepper on the long smooth finish. Great QPR. — 3 days ago

Hugh O'Riordan

9.6

Forgot I had this actually dust on bottle in basement. Like an old 1930 movie. To be fair , i am not a Tempranillo fan. . Stopped buying this wine years ago. Boy, was I a dummy. Age these wines. This 2002 was glorious. Layers of flavor in your mouth . An explosion of spice yes spice, forest floor, earth. Silky smooth finish. I was simply stunned. Started to fade after an hour. Great juice — 13 days ago

Delectable Wine

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9.0

The 2017 Bela, an entry-level 100% Tempranillo from the historic CVNE winery, is a tremendous value. It delivers loads of juicy cherry and dark fruit character, with sexy floral and spice notes and harmonious tannins that allow it to be enjoyed now. $18.00 (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, February 2020) — 18 days ago