2004 Artadi “El Pison” Rioja

This is a single vineyard Rioja from a 50 year old tempranillo vineyard and has become one of the marquee wines of this region. Wild strawberry and red cherry liqueur like fruit on the palate with a cornucopia of fresh flowers earth and toasty oak aromas. Thick but smooth and velvety on the tongue with fine silky tannins but and chewy but approachable, complex layered finish of thick red berry fruit and exotic spice. Finish 45+ MOST EXCELLENT

(100 points) The 2004 El Pison stands out from its peers. It has a deeper color than the 2007 with a splendid nose that jumps from the glass. Notes of espresso, balsamic, Asian spices, pain grille, mineral, and black cherry lead to a velvety, mouth-filling, deep wine that effortlessly combines elegance with power. It should easily drink well for another 30-40 years. It simply does not get any better. (JM)  (6/2010) Wine Advocate