Urbina
Gran Reserva Especial Rioja Tempranillo
La Rioja Alta, La Rioja, Spain
Hmmm... Definitely past peak. Massive barnyard nose that subsided only a little after an hour in the decanter. All fruit is gone, unless you count prunes and raisins. Yet, it's unique to experience the tertiary notes of cola, old leather, soil, and Porto. It's drinkable. I will try my best to optimize the pairing over the next few bottles.
90 points
Hmmm... Definitely past peak. Massive barnyard nose that subsided only a little after an hour in the decanter. All fruit is gone, unless you count prunes and raisins. Yet, it's unique to experience the tertiary notes of cola, old leather, soil, and Porto. It's drinkable. I will try my best to optimize the pairing over the next few bottles.
90 points
natural, comfortable wine. Like staying at Granny's house and she's serving you her jam platter.
natural, comfortable wine. Like staying at Granny's house and she's serving you her jam platter.
Oct 7th, 2021
still drinkable and not out of date. Beautifully fading Rioja gran reserva. dried fruits and old fallen leaves. ABV14.0% at Celeste in London
still drinkable and not out of date. Beautifully fading Rioja gran reserva. dried fruits and old fallen leaves. ABV14.0% at Celeste in London
Aug 13th, 2019
The third time I've had this vintage of Urbina and it has to be my favourite. Opened and decanted in the morning and this combined with its 19 years of age have the wine the gorgeous smoothness that gran reserva Rioja should offer: not too tanniny yet perfect for the roast beef I accompanied it with.
The third time I've had this vintage of Urbina and it has to be my favourite. Opened and decanted in the morning and this combined with its 19 years of age have the wine the gorgeous smoothness that gran reserva Rioja should offer: not too tanniny yet perfect for the roast beef I accompanied it with.
Jun 19th, 2013
Barnyard funk, tobacco, leather, and cherry pie on the nose. The palate displays dark cherry, cranberry, raspberry jam, leather, tobacco, cola, cedar, and coconut. Medium body, medium plus acid, medium plus tannins, and medium plus alcohol. Medium plus finish with enough tertiary stuff going on that I think this 2004 vintage should be drunk now.
Barnyard funk, tobacco, leather, and cherry pie on the nose. The palate displays dark cherry, cranberry, raspberry jam, leather, tobacco, cola, cedar, and coconut. Medium body, medium plus acid, medium plus tannins, and medium plus alcohol. Medium plus finish with enough tertiary stuff going on that I think this 2004 vintage should be drunk now.
Jun 29th, 2024Oaky, Smoky, smooth, pairs well with truffle cheese, smoked meats, and dark chocolate.
Oaky, Smoky, smooth, pairs well with truffle cheese, smoked meats, and dark chocolate.
Dec 24th, 2023
Medium ruby-garnet in color.
Aromas of barnyard, forest floor, leather
Dry. Flavors of red fruit, tomato leaf, leather, barnyard, dried cherry. Rich, firm tannins.
Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 5/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 5/5
Medium ruby-garnet in color.
Aromas of barnyard, forest floor, leather
Dry. Flavors of red fruit, tomato leaf, leather, barnyard, dried cherry. Rich, firm tannins.
Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 5/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 5/5
1994 vintage in Asador 44 Cardiff, Wales. All the table enjoyed
1994 vintage in Asador 44 Cardiff, Wales. All the table enjoyed
Feb 13th, 2020Wood oil, balanced. More gentle than you would expect from a Rioja.
Wood oil, balanced. More gentle than you would expect from a Rioja.
Aug 6th, 2017
Smooth and opened up well. Not as complex as I expected for 21 yrs old.
Smooth and opened up well. Not as complex as I expected for 21 yrs old.
Sep 5th, 2015