Bodegas Franco-Españolas
Royal Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo
La Rioja, Spain
I am not a fan of the “new school” relatively-extracted, French-oak aged Rioja. This is not that. This is old fashioned, old-school. And perfectly resolved. Nose has sweet spices, lovely vanilla-tinged American oak, ripe berry. Balanced and soft and enveloping in the mouth. I’m surprised how much I like this (because of my predilection to be skeptical of Rioja, nothing else).
I am not a fan of the “new school” relatively-extracted, French-oak aged Rioja. This is not that. This is old fashioned, old-school. And perfectly resolved. Nose has sweet spices, lovely vanilla-tinged American oak, ripe berry. Balanced and soft and enveloping in the mouth. I’m surprised how much I like this (because of my predilection to be skeptical of Rioja, nothing else).
Dec 30th, 2023
Perfectly mature and not getting any better. On the lighter side and lacking some complexity but beautifully elegant with the same pronouced acidity as all other 50s to 70s great riojas I’ve tried.
Perfectly mature and not getting any better. On the lighter side and lacking some complexity but beautifully elegant with the same pronouced acidity as all other 50s to 70s great riojas I’ve tried.
Sep 11th, 2019
Slightly more rustic and rusty than my previous bottle, but I still am impressed by its crunchy cranberry/cherry fruit profile. Certainly considering age and pedigree.
Slightly more rustic and rusty than my previous bottle, but I still am impressed by its crunchy cranberry/cherry fruit profile. Certainly considering age and pedigree.
Sep 24th, 2015Bright rubyred, orange hue. Cinnamon, citrus, sandalwood, cranberries, dried flowers, very complex, juicy, mouthwayering acidity. Alive and kicking! (1970 Gran Reserva)
Bright rubyred, orange hue. Cinnamon, citrus, sandalwood, cranberries, dried flowers, very complex, juicy, mouthwayering acidity. Alive and kicking! (1970 Gran Reserva)
Dec 23rd, 2013
