"(aged in new French oak): Glass-staining ruby. Extremely perfumed, oak-accented nose displays cherry-vanilla and blackberry preserves, with a sexy floral note and building spiciness. Full-bodied and velvety, offering palate-coating flavors of macerated cherry, dark berries and vanilla bean. Finishes very long and sweet, with persistent spiciness and a hint of smoke. An extremely attractive and balanced example of the modern style."
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Sept/Oct 2011), 92 pts
"The 2005 Dioro was produced from a stricter selection and was aged in new French oak for 12-14 months. A saturated purple color, it displays a brooding bouquet of wood smoke, pencil lead, espresso, truffle, and blackberry. Dense and loaded on the palate, it has gobs of ripe black fruit, excellent balance, and a lengthy, pure finish. It will continue to blossom over the next 3-4 years and have a drinking window extending from 2014 to 2025."
"Hefty and a tiny bit herbal on the nose, with tomato, red berry and spice aromas. The palate is perfectly formed and balanced, with roasted berry, smoked meat and earthy flavors. Turns juicy and dry on what amounts to a tight finish. Excellent modern Rioja to drink now through 2015. - Michael Schachner"
"The previous vintages was produced from 40% Tempranillo, 40% Garnacha, 10% Graciano, and 10% Mazuela. The wine is aged for 12-14 months in new French oak barrels. With a short amount of air this became an interesting wine with a meaty nose containing notes of salty Old Bay seasoning. In the mouth this modern wine has salty dark red fruit and good ripeness that is balanced with acidity. Though it is still quite dense and will benefit from short-term aging, it is quite a good drink right now. 2015-2020."
"(100% tempranillo, raised in 100% new French oak): Inky ruby. Aromas and flavors of cherry-cola, cassis and vanilla, with intense floral and spice nuances. Shows very good depth and power, especially for the vintage, picking up a smoky quality with air. Closes with impressive thrust and length, with supple tannins adding grip. This is a very successful '08."
"The Dioro is fresh and fruit forward showing ripe blackberry and dark cherry fruit. The palate is full and richly flavored of both dark fruit and tobacco with an accent of dark cocoa, finishing long with firm but ripe tannins. Drinking well now."
"A terrific value from Rioja, the 2010 Dioro was aged in French oak for 12-14 months. It displays a deep ruby/purple color along with a big, sweet kiss of anise, blackberries, blackcurrants and a hint of lead pencil shavings as well as a deep, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel. This luscious, opulent Rioja is from the more modern school of winemaking, delivering plenty of flavor depth and character. Enjoy it over the next 4-5 years. - Robert Parker"