Reserva Señorío de P. Peciña Rioja Tempranillo Blend

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

Having had so many Rioja Alta & Lopez over the years, it’s genuinely eye opening to experience an old school Rioja that’s new- & different. How it is hard to qualify—perhaps fair to say it cuts down the middle of those two producers. Fresh, deep, medium bodied—tar, violets, wild blackberries, they’re so integrated nothing stands out but it does play as harmonious. Absolutely enchanting.