Greg Giere

10

140 bottles of this treasure were found in the winery's cellar around 2011 before it was reconditioned, sealed with fresh corks, and released into the world a few years later. A portion of these made their way to the Portland market in 2017 thanks to a fantastic local distributor, Casa Bruno.

Popped and poured - pristine cork beneath the wax and beautiful color, not at all brown or tawny, more brickish, slightly orange towards the rim. First sniff- clearly this is a sound, complete wine that is without a doubt very much alive. Aromatically reminiscent of old Bordeaux with ample leather, earth, cigar box and tobacco, sandalwood veering towards old wooden cabinet (if that makes sense), clove and nutmeg and cola, fruit is still present- strawberry/pomegranate, orange, very herbal and floral with dried rose petals/potpurri, vibrant acidity and an impressively long, haunting finish. Incredibly elegant, silky texture, crystalline purity, finished very Burgundian. Really, a perfect hybrid of aged Bordeaux and Burgundy. As a friend put it, "somehow both aged and ageless." No question the best 50+ year old bottle I've been fortunate to try. Certainly a once in a lifetime opportunity, though I hope to track down another bottle someday. You'd never guess this was 105 years old.

— 6 days ago

with Bryan and Terry

Aaron Parrish

9.0

Good crianza. Medium body. Moderate tannins, moderate fruit and acidity — 7 years ago

with Jennifer

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Aged for 24 months in American and French oak, and cellared for 36 months before release with grapes from its vineyards located in Abalos and other selected estates. Rich bright red with ripe berry fruit aromas and smoky spices. On the palate fresh ripe cherry and blackberry flavors with fine smooth tannins, leather and herbs on tangy acidity. The finish lingers ending with some oak, smoke and mineral tones. Drinks well now, but will continue to improve! — 8 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Ramírez de la Piscina traces its lineage back to the Navarra Kings who fought in the 1st Crusade during the 11th century. Aged for 24 months in Am & French oak, cellared for 36 months before release, grapes from its vineyards in Abalos. Rich bright red, ripe berry fruit aromas and smoky spices. On the palate fresh ripe cherry and blackberry flavors with fine silky tannins, leather, well balanced acidity. Lingering finish ending with some oak, earthy and mineral tones. Drinks well, great value for a Gran Reserva. — 7 years ago

Manuel O. Mendez

9.4

Excellent Rioja Tempranillo small batch production from Jose Luis at Hotel Villa de Abalos. Moderate fruit and acid with firm tannins and very well constructed. Too bad it's my last one. — 9 years ago