Marques de Legarda
Abalos Rioja Tempranillo Blend
La Rioja, Spain
140 bottles of this treasure were found in the winery's cellar around 2011 before it was reconditioned, sealed with fresh corks, and released into the world a few years later. A portion of these made their way to the Portland market in 2017 thanks to a fantastic local distributor, Casa Bruno.
Popped and poured - pristine cork beneath the wax and beautiful color, not at all brown or tawny, more brickish, slightly orange towards the rim. First sniff- clearly this is a sound, complete wine that is without a doubt very much alive. Aromatically reminiscent of old Bordeaux with ample leather, earth, cigar box and tobacco, sandalwood veering towards old wooden cabinet (if that makes sense), clove and nutmeg and cola, fruit is still present- strawberry/pomegranate, orange, very herbal and floral with dried rose petals/potpurri, vibrant acidity and an impressively long, haunting finish. Incredibly elegant, silky texture, crystalline purity, finished very Burgundian. Really, a perfect hybrid of aged Bordeaux and Burgundy. As a friend put it, "somehow both aged and ageless." No question the best 50+ year old bottle I've been fortunate to try. Certainly a once in a lifetime opportunity, though I hope to track down another bottle someday. You'd never guess this was 105 years old.
140 bottles of this treasure were found in the winery's cellar around 2011 before it was reconditioned, sealed with fresh corks, and released into the world a few years later. A portion of these made their way to the Portland market in 2017 thanks to a fantastic local distributor, Casa Bruno.
Popped and poured - pristine cork beneath the wax and beautiful color, not at all brown or tawny, more brickish, slightly orange towards the rim. First sniff- clearly this is a sound, complete wine that is without a doubt very much alive. Aromatically reminiscent of old Bordeaux with ample leather, earth, cigar box and tobacco, sandalwood veering towards old wooden cabinet (if that makes sense), clove and nutmeg and cola, fruit is still present- strawberry/pomegranate, orange, very herbal and floral with dried rose petals/potpurri, vibrant acidity and an impressively long, haunting finish. Incredibly elegant, silky texture, crystalline purity, finished very Burgundian. Really, a perfect hybrid of aged Bordeaux and Burgundy. As a friend put it, "somehow both aged and ageless." No question the best 50+ year old bottle I've been fortunate to try. Certainly a once in a lifetime opportunity, though I hope to track down another bottle someday. You'd never guess this was 105 years old.
1920. Oldest wine I’ve ever opened. Pristine provenance, tasted like old Burgundy. Total stunner. Conversation started at 2015 white Burgundy and somehow we made it to 1920 Rioja. They were super stoked, wish we had another bottle. Red fruit, not really oxidized at all, I would guess they added some CO2 when they recorked these. Good stuff and a total show stopper. A lot of fun.
1920. Oldest wine I’ve ever opened. Pristine provenance, tasted like old Burgundy. Total stunner. Conversation started at 2015 white Burgundy and somehow we made it to 1920 Rioja. They were super stoked, wish we had another bottle. Red fruit, not really oxidized at all, I would guess they added some CO2 when they recorked these. Good stuff and a total show stopper. A lot of fun.
1 person found it helpfulApr 15th, 2018This happened yesterday. Recently recorked and in the process of being rereleased. Yes, 1920...like mature burgundy but extremely lively on the palate. Probably the CO2.
This happened yesterday. Recently recorked and in the process of being rereleased. Yes, 1920...like mature burgundy but extremely lively on the palate. Probably the CO2.
1 person found it helpfulSep 2nd, 2016
Hard to ask for more from a 44 year old Rioja. Plenty of haunting, lacy fruit over a mouthfeel akin to white wine with leather and spice nuances without end.
Hard to ask for more from a 44 year old Rioja. Plenty of haunting, lacy fruit over a mouthfeel akin to white wine with leather and spice nuances without end.
1 person found it helpfulAug 21st, 2014
Sublime. Possibly reconditioned at the winery 20-40 years ago..
Sublime. Possibly reconditioned at the winery 20-40 years ago..
Mar 11th, 2017A dead ringer for a smokin' mature grand cru burgundy - a '78 Echezeaux? No joke.
A dead ringer for a smokin' mature grand cru burgundy - a '78 Echezeaux? No joke.
Sep 11th, 2015
1970. A food wine that many would not appreciate. Very old school with unique depth and encircled flavors. Find it if you can.
1970. A food wine that many would not appreciate. Very old school with unique depth and encircled flavors. Find it if you can.
Mar 5th, 2018