Bodegas Faustino VII Tempranillo 2017
An old-school Rioja from Bodegas Faustino, of course, I wouldn’t expect anything less from this producer. The Faustino VII is a label I haven’t seen before and looks to be a value line crafted from 100% Tempranillo that’s been aged in American oak for six months. It offers up a classic profile of macerated strawberry, […]
Bodegas Riojanas Rioja Monte Real Reserva 2014
Soft and seductive, this 100% Tempranillo from Bodegas Riojanas, the 2014 Monte Real Reserva slowly blooms in the glass with plums and black cherries interweaving notes of dusty earth, wet terra cotta, and mahogany wood. In the mouth, tannins are gathered at the fore and mid-palate—they’re fine, yet still tightly wound. Stewed prune and dried […]
C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Rioja Cune Gran Reserva 2010
Complex aromas of plums, Spanish roof tile after a rain, dust, earth, leather, dried violets, and baker’s cocoa grace Cune’s (CVNE) 2010 Gran Reserva. Fine, dusty tannins coat the palate followed by a core of tart pie cherry, sweet tobacco, tomato leaf, balsamic, and cedar, all of which lead into a meandering, satisfyingly mouthwatering finish. […]
La Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva 904 2005
A fabulous La Rioja Alta, the 2005 Gran Reserva 904 is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano aged in American oak barrels. It opens with a kaleidoscope of subtle, alluring aromas of Japanese plum, dried leaves, dusty earth, mahogany wood, leather, pomander ball, dried mint, and Dutch cocoa powder. In the mouth, sueded […]
Carlos Serres Rioja Viura Tempranillo Blanco 2016
From the historic Bodegas Carlos Serres, one of the first wineries to established in Haro, the heart of Rioja, is this blend of Viura and 15% Tempranillo Blanco. Lemon hued, it’s an old-school wine, with restrained aromatics of lemon drop, granulated honey, flint and just-melted candle wax. In the mouth, it’s softly textured—one feels a […]
Dinastía Vivanco Rioja Blanco 2016
Soft in tone and texture, Vivanco’s 2016 Rioja Blanco is a non-traditional blend of 50% Viura, 35% Tempranillo Blanco, and 15% Maturana Blanca. It’s the color of sun-bleached straw, and with a swirl radiates underripe pineapple, yellow apple, pear, lemon blossom, and barley flour. Lees contact has graced this Rioja blend with deceptive softness on […]
Dinastía Vivanco Rioja Crianza Selección de Familia 2013
Smooth and open-hearted, Dinastia Vivanco’s Crianza Rioja 2013 is an effortless plunge in to ripe plums, juicy black cherries, vanilla, wafting anise and lavender notes followed by a daub of earthy soulfulness. Composed of 100% Tempranillo, this is a fresh, round Crianza framed in black tea and ripe tannins. Easy to drink and even easier […]
Faustino Rioja Reserva V 2006
Faustino’s Rioja Reserva V 2006 imparts little fruit. Expect notes of leather, sun-baked roof tile, grilled meat and tomato paste. Medium-bodied, this old-school Tempranillo offers moderate acidity and low-to-moderate, but fine tannins. The profile of the nose echoes that of the palate, and it paired reasonably well with grilled steak fajitas. 12.5% ABV Bodegas Faustino […]
Zaco Rioja Tempranillo 2014
The Zaco Rioja Tempranillo 2014 is crafted in a modern style, and is laden with black fruit, roasted black cherries, vanilla and anise. There is admittedly, lots of sweetness on the nose. Equally softly textured on the palate with plummy undertones and low acidity. It’s only on the palate that the earthier side of this […]
R. López de Heredia Rioja Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia 2002
I was actually, sadly disappointed in this bottle. With muted aromas and flavors, it lacks the complexity I expect from Lopez de Heredia wines. Most likely, it’s been stored incorrectly somewhere on its journey, from the producer to my cellar. R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia, S.A. Flawed