Tannins resolved but shockingly young (this was the crianza, I mistakenly thought it the GR). Squinting, there’s a note of brown at the rim but the core is a translucent dark black with red glints. Huge nose of tobacco, vanilla, forest floor, cinnamon, and clove. Massive palate, still superb balance of acid and fruit/secondary. Maybe misses a touch of length on the finish vs the GR, but a very solid finish carries by the acids. Last of the great aged Rioja bargains (where you can find it?)?
Tannins resolved but shockingly young (this was the crianza, I mistakenly thought it the GR). Squinting, there’s a note of brown at the rim but the core is a translucent dark black with red glints. Huge nose of tobacco, vanilla, forest floor, cinnamon, and clove. Massive palate, still superb balance of acid and fruit/secondary. Maybe misses a touch of length on the finish vs the GR, but a very solid finish carries by the acids. Last of the great aged Rioja bargains (where you can find it?)?
Feb 19th, 2023
La Rioja, Spain
