2010 Lar de Paula Rioja

Dark red color, faintly translucent. Black cherries and herbs on the nose. Smooth, elegant fruit but a bit faded. Black cherries, tobacco. Soft tannins, soft acidity, good balance. Finishes moderately long with dark fruits and some leather. Very nice but a bit past prime is the first impression, but give it some air. Air and time have a remarkable effect. This becomes lusher, picks up weight, crisper, tannins more evident. Depending on your patience this could go 5 more years. If you wanted to drink up in the near term I wouldn't criticize the decision. "B+"

Charlie