La Rioja Alavesa, La Rioja

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2004

If you know, you know.

Just eying the bottle evokes a sense of mysticism—these are increasingly rare sightings, relics of a winemaking philosophy nearly lost to time. Opening it after a recent visit to the winery feels familiar, almost fated.

The color holds strong despite its 20+ years, with a core of garnet that defies its age. On the nose, memory takes over: the scent of the underground cellar, the mold-covered walls, the rustic perfume of wood and brick. Then come the classics notes—dried rose petals, red berries, and a whisper of spice.

The palate surprises with more volume than the bottle’s vintage muster’s. Lively red fruit mingles with savory earth and warm spice, carried by silken tannins. The finish lingers with a trace of wet oak, grounding the experience in place and time.

This is a wine of lineage, character, and quiet perseverance—a style too uncommon today. Most importantly, it was opened, shared, and deeply enjoyed.
— 16 days ago

Paul, Dave and 8 others liked this

Bodegas Faustino

Gran Reserva Faustino I Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2010

v10. Very good! Toasty vanilla and tobacco nose. Bright, rich, dark blackberry, plum and tar fruit. Long, bold, slightly astringent tanned leather finish. Still aging!!! — 3 days ago

Bodegas Muga

Torre Muga Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2019

Happy Easter! Uses a lot of new French oak, and it shows but it’s well-integrated. It tastes like a marriage between a California Cabernet and a classic rioja, modern in style but very good. Intense concentration, silky tannins on the palate with medium+ acidity. chocolate, vanilla, tobacco, spice, a bit of earth, and rich dark fruit that’s nearly jammy but not quite. — 15 days ago

Andrew and Jamie liked this

C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España)

Imperial Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2018

Deep Ruby, aromas of sweet red and black fruits with pepper spice and oak. 4 grape blend from some of CVNE's best vineyards in the Rioja Alta (85% Tempranillo, rest Garnacha, Mazuelo & Graciano), aged in both French and American oak for 24 months. On the palate flavors of blackberry and currants with licorice, vanilla, tobacco & toasty oak tones. Soft full ripe tannins, wonderful balance, lively acidity on a long finish ending with an earthy mineral character. Very nice! — 8 days ago

Tom, WC and 5 others liked this

Viña Real (CVNE)

Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2018

Called Rioja. Super-dill coconut give-away. — 8 days ago

Tom, Scott@Mister and 1 other liked this

Marqués de Riscal

Reserva Herederos del Marques de Riscal Rioja Tempranillo 2020

Nydelig vin med god ettersmak. Dyp, lilla farge. Fyldig og dyp smak. Med den spesielle tinten jeg elsker, men ikke vet hva er. — 21 hours ago

R. López de Heredia

Viña Gravonia Crianza Rioja Viura 2014

“Does not need food. Actually, we prefer it that way.” — a day ago

Austin, Peter and 7 others liked this

R. López de Heredia

Viña Bosconia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2013

Full bodied, perfect balance, love love love — 3 days ago

Seth Mansinghani
with Seth
Andrew, DAD and 4 others liked this

Marqués de Murrieta

Reserva Finca Ygay Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2017

Nice cherry ruby red colour with cherries and red fruit on the nose, silky balance of tannins on palate with minerality leading to a long satisfying finish
Excellent example of good old world wine making
— 9 days ago

Tom and Bob liked this

La Rioja Alta

Viña Alberdi Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 2019

Berry fruit nose with cinnamon and nutmeg spices. Medium tannins, well balanced great paella — 5 days ago

"Odedi" liked this