Tasting Notes

WE94

With the exact same rating as the awesome 2004, this new vintage of Aurus is an unbridled winner. It's a little creamy and sweet on first blush, but time and air reveals its darker, more serious side. Flavors of blackberry, barbecued beef and fudge tell all you need to know about ripeness and richness, and among the new classics of Rioja, Aurus is one of the leaders. Drink now and over the next three years. It’s not really for long-term cellaring.

WA90

The 2005 Aurus was rated highly by my predecessor, although contrasted directly against the 2004, I feel that the previous vintage has the upper hand. It has an expressive nose with soft earthy red fruit, a touch of leather, mint and a bit of sage. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, leathery red fruit and crisp acidity, although it lacks precision on the powerful, perhaps over-powering, spicy finish. It is a little unruly compared to the stentorian 2004. Drink now-2019.

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