#campoviejo

Campo Viejo

Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 2005

Picked up this precocious tweening vintage at the local QFC, cuz I'm a sucker for Tempranillo and doubly a sucker for an older Rioja. Campo Viejo is one of the major producers of Rioja, and can be found virtually anywhere wine is sold. You can think of Rioja as Spain's Bordeaux or California's Meritage - if not 100% Tempranillo, it's typically a blend of Tempranillo (typically the major grape), Garnacha (Grenache), Graciano, and Mazuelo (Carignan). The gran reserva designation is reserved for vintages that were aged for a minimum of 5 years, two of which must be in oak. Due to the amount of time to market, gran reserva bottling occurs with only the best harvests. Paired this bottle with a Sicilian cauliflower pizza with fresh mozzarella and oregano. Delish - and still drinking wonderfully, probably for another 3-5 years! ~$22 | #campoviejo #granreserva #rioja

On the eyes: Med concentration, bright rusty garnet with an orange rim, med stain, med tears, no gas, floc present.

On the nose: Sandalwood, perfumed cherry, hints of cigar box and mushroom, med alcohol.

On the tongue: med alcohol, med acid, med+ tannin, med+ body. Rich, bright juicy cherry, tobacco, leather, and peppery spice. Nice long smoky finish.
— 8 years ago

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