The 2005 Reserva 7 Vinas gets its name from the fact that it uses all 7 permissible Rioja grapes (including the 3 white varieties) although Tempranillo (55%) forms the backbone of the wine. The fruit is all sourced from a single vineyard in Rioja Baja and was aged for 3 years in French and American oak. Its enticing perfume gets a lift from the use of 8% white grapes in the blend. Violets, incense, leather, mineral, and savory black fruit aromas and flavors lead to a layered, dense, full-flavored wine with impeccable balance and plenty of volume. Already complex, it will add further nuance with another 5-7 years of bottle age. It is a worthy successor to the outstanding wines made in 2001 and 2004, the first 2 years of this unique cuvee. - Robert Parker 92+ Points
Licorice, smoke and mineral notes accent a vibrant core of black cherry and blackberry fruit in this firm, focused red, which is medium-bodied, but shows impressive drive. Still Fresh. - Wine Spectator Magazine 92 Points
Dense from the start, with ripe berry, plum and a pinch of lemon peel on a studly bouquet. This is a healthy, vibrant, modern wine with lots of life and balance. It's drinkable now and will give toasty black fruit flavors and chocolaty warmth. Or age for up to another five years to gain more subtleties. - Wine Enthusiast Magazine 92 Points
Deep, bright ruby. Powerful scents of cherry-vanilla, cassis and potpourri, with a spicy quality that gains power with aeration. Sappy and broad, offering juicy red and dark berry flavors, a hint of bitter chocolate and sweet cola and vanilla qualities. Fine-grained tannins add shape and grip to a long, smoky finish. Drinks very well right now but this has the structure to age for at least another decade. - Stephen Tanzer 91 Points
