Castilla Y León, Spain
R. López de Heredia
Viña Bosconia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2013
Tasting notes during visit to the winery where absolutely everything is done in-house by hand; preserving centuries old winemaking traditions. Bosconia is a delicate wine highlighted by persistent tones of red berries and bright acidity with integrated tannins closing with medium but lingering finish.
No stainless steel here. The juice is fermented in old large wooden “tinas,” then transferred to American oak barrels (made in house to lighter toast specifications), underground in their +100 year old cellars for at least a year. After that it is bottled and stored in the same underground cellars and finally released about ten years later. Learning about their curated winemaking process was inspiring. — 21 days ago
Bodegas Muga
Gran Reserva Prado Enea Rioja Tempranillo 2015
Silky smooth tannins. Dark cherries, plum, cedar, and smoke. Full-bodied. Delicious! — 7 days ago
Bodegas y Viñedos Vega Sicilia
Unico Ribera del Duero Tempranillo Blend 2010
New vintage release tasting at Vega Sicilia in Ribera del Duero. The 2015 Unico presented an elegant profile, while the 2020 Valbuena showcased a bolder character. Traditionally, Unico is known for its power and structure, whereas Valbuena tends to be the more refined and elegant wine. Staff assured me it is not a reversal in winemaking techniques but rather a juxtaposition of their respective vintages. — 16 days ago
La Rioja Alta
Gran Reserva 904 Rioja Tempranillo Graciano 2004
90% Tempranillo; 10% Graciano. Red fruited perfume, earthy with medium plus intensity. Palate at 21 years is developed, balanced and soft with fully integrated tannins. Medium weight with declining strength to its inner core. Not near as good on the 2nd night. This aged overnight and finishes a little sour. I was going to give it 94 points but will now give 90 points. — 4 days ago
La Rioja Alta
Viña Alberdi Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 1996
No one chooses to have these kinds of bottles, the bottles themselves choose you. From the first whiff, you can smell the age; dried cherries, weathered leather, a trace of cigar box, and a hint of vanilla that lingers like memories of wilder days. On the palate, the wine unfolds slowly, each layer revealing the finesse of a life lived with grit and grace. The tannins, softened with age yet carrying a hint of defiance. — 21 days ago
R. López de Heredia
Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2012
Tasting notes during visit to the winery where absolutely everything is done in-house by hand; preserving centuries old winemaking traditions. In the Tondonia offering one can really appreciate the time and patience dedicated to crafting this wine. The wine evolves to a rustic yet graceful profile with strong notes of dark berries with slight oak and dark chocolate. On the palate the wine is bliss, medium bodied, fully integrated, with balanced acidity and a long finish.
The juice is fermented in old large wooden “tinas,” then transferred to American oak barrels (made in house to medium toast specifications), stored underground in their +100 year old cellars for at least a year. After that it is bottled and stored in the same underground cellars and finally released about ten years later. Learning about their curated winemaking process was inspiring. — 21 days ago
Ericsson
New vintage release tasting at Vega Sicilia in Ribera del Duero. The 2015 Unico presented an elegant profile, while the 2020 Valbuena showcased a bolder character. Traditionally, Unico is known for its power and structure, whereas Valbuena tends to be the more refined and elegant wine. Staff assured me it is not a reversal in winemaking techniques but rather a juxtaposition of their respective vintages. — 13 days ago