Finca Allende Rioja Aurus 2005

"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."

94 Points

Wine Enthusiast

"Glass-staining purple. Youthfully backward nose displays inky dark berry and plum aromas, along with licorice, espresso and dark chocolate. Then shockingly fresh and precise on the palate, offering sweet black raspberry and blueberry flavors, with powerful tannins adding structure. Coats the palate and reaches every nook and cranny of the mouth, gaining spice and cracked pepper nuances with air. As powerful as this wine is, there's an uncanny weightlessness to it that is intriguing. Finishes clean and long, with lingering spiciness."

94 Points

International Wine Cellar

"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."

90 Points

The Wine Advocate