Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over an extended, 10 hour period. The 2009 Reserva pours a deep garnet with a nearly impenetrable, translucent core. I say nearly because some light is just barely able to find its way through. The rim shows a slightly more orange color. Viscosity is medium+ with moderate staining. On the nose, the wine is developing and initially was a bit reminiscent of a damp horse stable. With time, it relaxes to show a heady, balanced mix of ripe and desiccated red and black fruits: both morello and black cherry with leather, anise, dill, cumin, cigar box, toasted coconut, cocoa, and vanilla. On the palate, the wine is dry. Tannin and acid are both medium+. There is noticeable density. Confirming the notes from the nose however I would say the fruit is showing a bit more freshness than the nose; slightly more tart and ripe than ripe and desiccated. The finish is long and sapid.

This is an outstanding Reserva with remarkable class. This is drinking so well right now, even on the pop and pour but I would suggest decanting a couple of hours if you want to get past the more feral stage. Expect a long, long life; 2039+ — a month ago

Chris Buggy

8.9

Rabo del toro (oxtail stew) needs some fuel, and this is it! — 5 months ago

Sarah MacDonnell

9.1

Bought from primal in January. AMAZING. Favorite orange maybe — 3 years ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Popped and poured; enjoyed over three days; consistent throughout with very little evolution. The cork basically disintegrated when trying to open. The 2009 Gran Reserva pours a deep garnet color with an opaque core, moving gradually towards a rust colored rim. Medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and desiccated red fruits: Bing cherry, mulberries, spiced plum, cumin, dill, Balsamico, chocolate chip banana bread, toasted coconut, leather, cigar box, dry earth and exotic spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and savory and super delicious. What a drop dead gorgeous Gran Reserva from Hermanos Pecina. This drinks well from the pop and pour opens up considerably with air so decanting 30min before would be advisable. Enjoy through 2039+. The cork was doing its job as it was only partially saturated, it just came apart in little pieces. I have several remaining bottles and I’ll plan on using an Ah-So or Durand with the next bottle. A stunning, ultra-traditional Rioja Tinto. — 2 months ago

Dani Ruiz Sanchez

8.9

Rojo teja.
Buen Rioja. Frutos negros. Vainilla. Muy agradable — 3 years ago

Brandon Boesch

10

Not many beers brewed like this anymore. Literally pine trees in a forest with a hint of maple syrup. I get some citrus and raw ginger, but then that sweetness cutting through followed by bitters. The bitterness is so huge but balanced. This is a beer to experience rather than slug. — 4 years ago

Nishith Jobanputra

9.0

Big, well-rounded and balanced Tempranillo. Reveler. — 3 months ago

Caleb Kneip

9.0

15 to buy again; a great Ole & Obregado "branded" offering the best of Spain & Portugal.
This Monastrell blend is earthy with lots of fruit, balanced acidity, grippy but supple tannins and medium finish. — 6 months ago

Phil Kessling

9.0

The Syrah definitely shows up. Adds some weight and a little olive tapenade. seemed to have a little new oak. — 3 years ago

Seiji Takeuchi

9.0

As a coffee lover, I like this beer. A lot of coffee flavor matches the stout taste. — 4 years ago