I found this wine to be a very pleasant effort. Though the nose is endowed by plenty of vanillin french oak notes (a pleasant departure from the normal lactone American oak ugliness found in so many young Rioja), I thought it quite nice with the bright red fruits and fresh and effusive acidity. Yes, this wine has tannin, but for goodness sake it is young Tempranillo.

After drinking two bottles and finding them delicious and exactly as described in Josh's review, I ordered another case. Have no explanation of what was wrong with the one you tried.

dangerously so. one of the smoothest and most pleasant riojas. just not mind blowing.

Had this week and exceptionally disappointed. I'm familiar w/ Artadi and 04 IWC note appeared consistent w/ my past vintage experience. But this one was hard as a rock, brutally tannic, w/ a lumber yard of oak (my sense of tnn source) and perhaps some black dusty fruit on the extreme edges. I'm an acid freak, and yes it that hit the mark, but there was not even a remote sense of balance. Was definitely not corked and, under the termites, one could sense fine juice, vs the 'bad bottle' syndrome. I wouldn't waste room in my cellar for this artless brick. Lastly, I promptly returned it and, upon tasting, outfit gladly took it back saying "yeah that's what it's like this year - just terrible" I wanted to say, "well thanks for heads-up guys when I bought it". Whatever. But ratings sell and this is my big beef - IWC note is, at best, a ghostly apparition of Artadi Vinas de Gain vintages past vs. the 04 ghastly reality....did you guys even taste it?