very easy and quaffable, but with a decent weight without heavy alcohol (12.5%) Spicy, fruity and medium bodied, with a fulness more than its weight. Again allow to develop in glass or decanter, but at least this can be drank in cooler settings. Though more fruit will come through. I often feel, wine is drank to quickly out of the glass and at too low a room temp and that fluctuations do make a difference. I think that learning these nuances can and will often change our initial impressions, without trying to look and find something that is not there. very good value, worth the exploration and enjoyment.

I absolutely agree. A few years ago, we tasted Gran Reserva Riojas in the garden on a hot evening - it might even have been 2003. We were sweltering, as was the wine and it all tasted vile.

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mel