Reserva Señorío de P. Peciña Rioja Tempranillo Blend

Popped and poured; enjoyed over an extended, 10 hour period. The 2009 Reserva pours a deep garnet with a nearly impenetrable, translucent core. I say nearly because some light is just barely able to find its way through. The rim shows a slightly more orange color. Viscosity is medium+ with moderate staining. On the nose, the wine is developing and initially was a bit reminiscent of a damp horse stable. With time, it relaxes to show a heady, balanced mix of ripe and desiccated red and black fruits: both morello and black cherry with leather, anise, dill, cumin, cigar box, toasted coconut, cocoa, and vanilla. On the palate, the wine is dry. Tannin and acid are both medium+. There is noticeable density. Confirming the notes from the nose however I would say the fruit is showing a bit more freshness than the nose; slightly more tart and ripe than ripe and desiccated. The finish is long and sapid.

This is an outstanding Reserva with remarkable class. This is drinking so well right now, even on the pop and pour but I would suggest decanting a couple of hours if you want to get past the more feral stage. Expect a long, long life; 2039+

Presented double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of dark cherry, brambles, fig, toasted coconut, dill, cedar, olives, leather, earth and baking spices. There seemed to be quite a bit of wood. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish was long, delicious. Initial conclusions: this could be Cabernet Sauvignon (or a blend with other Bordeaux varieties), Syrah (or a blend with other Rhone varieties), Zinfandel, or Tempranillo from France, Italy, the United States, Australia or Spain. However, the amount of coconut and dill suggested this was American oak which had me rule out France, Italy and Australia and while this had some very lovely fruit, I felt this leaned more towards its non-fruit characteristics. So, final conclusion: this is Tempranillo, from Spain, from Rioja, Reserva 2011 from a high-quality, traditional producer like Lopez de Heredia. Ohhhh so close! I love this producer. The wines have so much character. Drink now and through 2033.

For a few tics above 20$( on sale), like a slightly scrawny brother of Rioja Alta Ardanza- brings the old school reserva profile-dark, dusted fruits, violet petals, medium plus acidity & just lovely elegance-but can’t compete with its older brothers depth & heft. Still, a favorite maker in Rioja (their 15$ white is smashing), a QPR, & given their vintners former working relationship w Rioja Alta, always worth seeking out. Delectable comments about its simplicity may be related to vintage….?

Too much oak

Too much American oak for my tastes but lovely. Layered.

06 from magnum. Leather, earth, orange peel, dried raspberry, licorice, and pepper. American oak.

Burger night = Rioja (unless there’s Champagne to be had of course). Excellent,traditionally styled, cherries, earth, leather and dill-tastic American oak...who needs pickles? Ok, still need pickles but it’s an excellent pairing

Leather, dried red cherry, must, musk, earth // med+ body med+ tannin med alc, rather med- finish

06 from Magnum. Fun but not charming.

oh that inimitable trad rioja thrill. nut butter on sourdough toast, with some cran jam. peaking, but plenty acidity left and maybe this is the first of multiple peaks