Jay Kline

9.2

Presented double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of dark cherry, brambles, fig, toasted coconut, dill, cedar, olives, leather, earth and baking spices. There seemed to be quite a bit of wood. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish was long, delicious. Initial conclusions: this could be Cabernet Sauvignon (or a blend with other Bordeaux varieties), Syrah (or a blend with other Rhone varieties), Zinfandel, or Tempranillo from France, Italy, the United States, Australia or Spain. However, the amount of coconut and dill suggested this was American oak which had me rule out France, Italy and Australia and while this had some very lovely fruit, I felt this leaned more towards its non-fruit characteristics. So, final conclusion: this is Tempranillo, from Spain, from Rioja, Reserva 2011 from a high-quality, traditional producer like Lopez de Heredia. Ohhhh so close! I love this producer. The wines have so much character. Drink now and through 2033. — 2 months ago

Paul J

8.9

Over the hill, but still nice but probably not for the right reasons. Medium gold color. Medium plus depth. Coconut, grass, and oxidized lemon. — 2 years ago

with Brooke

Emily Kresie-Harrington

9.3

2016 vintage. Textbook example. Sour cherries, dried raspberries, red currant, bitter orange, dill, coconut, cedar, dried sage, brick dust, a little yogurt-y sourness. Classic example. — 2 years ago

Prena

10

2018, west slope more earthy look for coconut flavor burnt flakes. American oak is giving the flavor of coconut — 3 months ago

Jay Kline

9.0

Popped and poured; consumed over two days. Consistent both days. The 2017 Marqués de Riscal “Reserva” pours a deep ruby with a near opaque core. Medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. No signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with dark cherries, ripe bruised strawberries, baked apple, hibiscus, toasted coconut, vanilla, new leather and some baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Medium+ alcohol. A lovely pairing with my sort of modern riff on paella for a quick Tuesday evening meal. More please!

Having enjoyed vintages going back to the early 1980’s, I think Marqués de Riscal “Reserva” is one of the last few, true bargains in the wine world. They are classic in the sense that they are unmistakably Rioja and they have the ability to age for decades. It’s very hard for me to think of another wine that is widely available for under $30 that can drink this well and cellar that long. Let’s enjoy the disparity while we can! — 9 months ago

Brenda Terzich-Garland

9.5

Celebrating my b-day today with this beautiful Golden hay Chardonnay and sushi! Yummy!!! Nose is subtle but complex. Initially, Apple-pear and coconut dominate the senses followed by lemon zest, baked apple and sandalwood. Taste - white peach, apricot fruits and floral are soft on the palate, but the texture of a chalky oil feel coat the entire mouth and secondary notes of orange rind, lemon, green melon and minerals give this wine its long finish. A great evening of celebration and gratitude! — 2 years ago

with Karin and Jill

Austin Hohnke

9.2

Christmas pairing with pistachio crusted rack of lamb. Near perfect. Lots to be thankful for.

This Geyserville is drinking great. Blackberry jam, sandalwood, coconut. An awesome ripe accompaniment to the gamey lamb. — 4 months ago

Tyson Frantz

9.0

Buttery, banana, coconut, even tropical some might say. Super round. See the “U” on the label? It’s round like the bottoms of that “U”. — 9 months ago

Jess Heichelbech

9.6

Delicious! Red& black fruit, some baking spices, coffee, and a delicious toasted coconut at the end. Medium body, medium-high acidity with fine tannins. Wonderful with food. — 9 months ago

John Bratincevic

9.0

Pop-and-pour through an aerator. Nose: burned orange. Fresh turned soil. Cranberry. Rose (very subdued). A little more anonymous than I had hoped, but well made - “elegant.” Taste: red fruits (ripe pomegranate), dry tobacco, aromatic wood. Coconut. Bay leaf. Chalk and clay. 90-91. EDIT: A LOT of raspberry comes out with air. Also, a bit of pineapple (?). Point being: tart fruit. — 2 years ago