Artadi "Pagos Viejos" Rioja 2001

Deep red.

Great melded, fine nose of oak spice, savory meat, nut liqueur and hints of red fruit underneath (spiced strawberry?).

Earth/citrus flavors are pure and intense, middle-weight flavors enhanced by driving acidity. Not at all expressing in the mouth yet. Needs years.

This bottling almost always freaks me out. Beautifully pure, integrated and intense.

Day 3 - The cherry jam/Amaretto thing reminds me of a killer Barbaresco to some extent. Nothing fat or creamy here. Aromatically thrilling, but still a bit bound up in the mouth. Really does need many years.

$75