2005 Compania Bodeguera de Valenciso Rioja Reserva

Wine Spectactor (WS)

Smoke and spice notes frame dried cherry, licorice and herbal flavors in this firm, traditional red. Grippy tannins and balsamic acidity impart a rustic character. Drink now through 2015. 8,000 cases made.

Wine Advocate (WA)

The 2005 Valenciso Reserva has a perfumed, floral bouquet with wild strawberry, raspberry, Moroccan leather and crushed violets all with fine delineation and vivacity. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte, saturated tannins, crisp acidity and a lovely, pepper and cocoa-tinged finish that is very harmonious. This is a superb, feminine Reserva to enjoy over the next decade, possibly longer. Drink now-2025.