Initially big intense chocolate bouquet, then somewhat lighter on the palate with a strong and persistent finish. Beautiful wine.
Initially big intense chocolate bouquet, then somewhat lighter on the palate with a strong and persistent finish. Beautiful wine.
Dec 28th, 2017
Mason Balistreri 
Sommelier, International Wine Guild; Balistreri Vineyard; Sales, Joy Wine and Spirits
9.0
These sort of wines really need decanted. So much dusty old wood notes need to blow off but when it does, it gets really nice and layered dark fruits with balanced oak.
These sort of wines really need decanted. So much dusty old wood notes need to blow off but when it does, it gets really nice and layered dark fruits with balanced oak.
4 people found it helpfulMar 6th, 2015
An American oak bomb. Toasted coconut, dill, leather and a beautiful core of sweet red fruit. A great traditional style Rioja.
An American oak bomb. Toasted coconut, dill, leather and a beautiful core of sweet red fruit. A great traditional style Rioja.
1 person found it helpfulMar 8th, 2016
Really?! Crazy day with crazy wines. I'm in love. Truly truly in love with Spain. Thanks to Marques de Riscal Gran Reserva 2005 magnum. Dark dried berries, cinnamon, tobacco leaves, whet forest, mushroom... Great and complex. Balanced, well structured with smooth tannins and long aftertaste. Drink now, it's ready and you deserve it.
Really?! Crazy day with crazy wines. I'm in love. Truly truly in love with Spain. Thanks to Marques de Riscal Gran Reserva 2005 magnum. Dark dried berries, cinnamon, tobacco leaves, whet forest, mushroom... Great and complex. Balanced, well structured with smooth tannins and long aftertaste. Drink now, it's ready and you deserve it.
1 person found it helpfulSep 15th, 2015
When I saw the Gran Reserva from MdR I had to try it, especially from 2005.
As hoped it had a heavy powerful nose of pure Rioja, plummy, cigar box, vanilla, strong fruit, earth, musty and showing good age, all the wonderful elements you expect in endless amounts.
The palate is pure elegance, it glides across the palate, smooth, medium bodied, glossy with highly polished finesse, alluring and enveloping. The tannin waits to the last possible moment and bring the finish to glorious completion.
When I saw the Gran Reserva from MdR I had to try it, especially from 2005.
As hoped it had a heavy powerful nose of pure Rioja, plummy, cigar box, vanilla, strong fruit, earth, musty and showing good age, all the wonderful elements you expect in endless amounts.
The palate is pure elegance, it glides across the palate, smooth, medium bodied, glossy with highly polished finesse, alluring and enveloping. The tannin waits to the last possible moment and bring the finish to glorious completion.
1 person found it helpfulMay 25th, 2015
Some fig and some yeasty type smell. Being is 14yrs old and color is showing some brown in look. Taste is not vibrant and a bit tired. Smooth finish. Would have liked this a few years back.
Some fig and some yeasty type smell. Being is 14yrs old and color is showing some brown in look. Taste is not vibrant and a bit tired. Smooth finish. Would have liked this a few years back.
1 person found it helpfulFeb 3rd, 2015
La Rioja, Spain
