87+ 2004 Marques de Riscal Rioja - Reserva 10/10/08 ($17)
14.0% alc
Color: Medium garnet. (2.5) Bouquet: Gray clay ashes and forestal nuances with slightly pungent, young acidity on top of black cherry and cassis fruit. (2.5) Body: Solid middleweight with very good fruit, excellent acidity and some dry tannins. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet. (2.5) Finish: Long and aromatic without being big, but shows a lot of terroir character and good fruit. Just needs time for the acidity to calm down. (3.0)
Overall: A solid Rioja with a lot of character for the price. This is a Bordeaux fans kind of wine, à la St. Emilion. It could use more fruit to counterbalance the acidity, but I think this will come into line in the next 3-4 years. It could certainly gain a point or two in that time. If drinking now, decant for 1-2 hours. (13.5)