Finca La Emperatriz Parcela No. 1 2009

The 2009 Finca La Emperatriz Parcela No.1 is a pure, unadulterated Tempranillo from a 5.5-hectare plot of old vines. It has a lifted, floral bouquet with superb freshness and vitality, a heady violet and lavender perfume that almost dissuades you from tasting the wine! The palate is medium-bodied with succulent, fleshy tannins that are extremely well-defined. There is a wonderful sense of symmetry here, a crescendo of flavors that leads to a sumptuous finish of cassis and blackberry that lingers long in the mouth. This is excellent, modern Rioja. Drink now-2020. Score - 94. (Neal Martin, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2012)