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still drinkable and not out of date.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still drinkable and not out of date.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, 2013Oaky, 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
Wood 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
Medium body with a red/brownish rim. Powerful leather and tobacco on the nose with notes of cherry and plum. Amazingly velvety on the palate with only hints of any cherry. Medium acidity with a lingering finish. I thought it was pretty amazing even without food. Would definitely seek out another bottle.
Medium body with a red/brownish rim. Powerful leather and tobacco on the nose with notes of cherry and plum. Amazingly velvety on the palate with only hints of any cherry. Medium acidity with a lingering finish. I thought it was pretty amazing even without food. Would definitely seek out another bottle.
Nov 25th, 2014