2001 Dinastia Vivanco Rioja Crianza - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alavesa, Rioja (4/19/2005)
Deep rich purple with a darkness that seems to swallow the light. Nose with some green pepper and deep spice anise, pepper with a whiff of vanilla oak. As it opens in the glass a milk chocolate quality starts to show on the nose with a loamy note, almost of raw cocoa and earth followed by roasted coffee. Rich in the mouth with an initial light sweetness followed by a long and dry finish very well balanced and quite tasty. Rich raspberry, black cherry, light oak and a nice overall richness. The alcohol seems a bit hot but not out of whack. Fresh and alive the acidity pulls this wine through and makes it work well with its myriad flavors.
C5a12t15o7=89 (89 pts.) alt score=4pts

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