94, 95, 96 in Spain with Helio San Miguel

New York City
Tasted Friday, December 10, 2010 by dougsmith with 834 views

Introduction

The lineup was done blind. I arrived late due to horrible traffic along Second Ave., but learned there were three Riberas and one Mas la Plana Cabernet in with the other Riojas. Also that there were two Rioja Alta wines, though I didn't take a guess on those.

All in all it was a good tasting, with only a couple of clunkers and a number of very pretty wines. I was surprised at the relatively poor showing for the Prado Eneas, since I've enjoyed several bottles I've had in the past. (Particularly the 2001). The 890s and the Viña Real GR did very well indeed. The Imperial would have done significantly better if it'd had any real aroma or flavor to speak of. I see another TN in CT that agrees with this showing, so it may be an issue for the vintage, or perhaps it just needed more time in glass.

Flight 1 (12 Notes)

  • 1996 Hacienda Monasterio Ribera del Duero 86 Points

    Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero

    Deep ruby color. Plum and prune notes on the nose, very primary. Medium bodied on the palate, slightly cloying and empties out on the finish. At first I thought this might be one of the three Riberas, but finally opted for a different wine. Group's ranking #10, my ranking #11.

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  • 1994 La Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva 890 91 Points

    Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

    Medium garnet color. Very bright and herbal on the nose, with tart red fruits and coconut. Helio felt that this showed classic 'coconut and honey' aromas of the 890; I'd missed the coconut but felt it was there when pointed out. I didn't get honey. Medium bodied on the palate with good nerve and presence. Group's #5, my #4.

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  • 1994 Bodegas Montecillo Rioja 130 Gran Reserva 88 Points

    Spain, La Rioja, Rioja

    Deep ruby color. Nose of tobacco, leather and dry black fruits. Medium bodied on the palate and somewhat ashy. This seemed just a touch over the hill. Group's #11, my #9.

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  • 1994 Bodegas Muga Rioja Gran Reserva Prado Enea 85 Points

    Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

    Medium garnet color. Reticent on the nose with a musty odor and aromas of dirt. Medium to full bodied on the palate, emptied out on the finish. Seemed borderline faulty to me though some got more out of it than I. Group's #9, my #12.

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  • 1995 C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Rioja Imperial Gran Reserva 87 Points

    Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

    Medium ruby color. Reticent on the nose, with caramel and lactic notes. Medium to full bodied on the palate, good tart red berries but again reticent. If this had flavor it would have been a significantly better wine. As it was it felt like I was fighting it the whole way. Group's #6, my #10.

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  • 1994 Torres Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Coronas Reserva Mas La Plana 89 Points

    Spain, Catalunya, Penedès

    Deep ruby color. Pretty on the nose with complex spice and tobacco, and some rock dust. Full bodied on the palate with aggressive tannins and good nerve, but thins out a touch on the finish. Struck me as the Cabernet in the lineup. Group's #12, my #7.

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  • 1996 Bodegas Muga Rioja Gran Reserva Prado Enea 89 Points

    Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

    Deep ruby color. Big nose of prune juice and thyme. Full on the palate with good acidity, still tannic, slightly thin on the finish. Struck me as a Ribera wine with the black fruit and full body; better on the palate than the nose. Group's #8, my #8.

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  • 1996 C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Rioja Viña Real Gran Reserva 93 Points

    Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

    Medium ruby color. Complex nose of coffee, spices, tart red fruits and rose petal. Medium bodied on the palate with good presence and balance, soft tannins. An elegant and delicious wine. Group's #4, my #2.

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  • 1995 Bodegas Ismael Arroyo Ribera del Duero Gran Reserva Val Sotillo 92 Points

    Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero

    Deep ruby color. Pretty on the nose, though clearly oak driven, with heavy coffee aromas and complex spices. Full bodied on the palate, almost youthful, with good balance and presence. I picked this as one of the three Riberas. Group's #1 (WOTN), my #3.

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  • 1994 Hermanos Pérez Pascuas Ribera del Duero Gran Reserva Viña Pedrosa 91 Points

    Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero

    Medium garnet color. Lots of sweet mocha on the nose. Medium bodied on the palate with tobacco and tart red berries. The acidity might have been a touch high, but otherwise very good. I picked this as one of the three Riberas. Group's #7, my #5.

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  • 1995 Bodegas Muga Rioja Gran Reserva Prado Enea 91 Points

    Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

    Medium garnet color. I got a sort of dirty barnyard note on the nose, though not quite Brett; others noted tar. Also tobacco and a touch of red fruit. Medium bodied on the palate with more tart red fruit, nicely balanced acidity. Interesting and pretty wine. Group's #2, my #6.

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  • 1995 La Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva 890 94 Points

    Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

    Medium garnet color. Complex nose of sweet stone dust, caramel and red fruits. This may have been close to Helio's description of the 'honey and coconut' that he sees in 890s; not so much coconut for me, though definite sweetness. Full bodied on the palate, very well balanced with excellent presence. An elegant, delicious wine. Group's #3, my #1 WOTN.

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Closing

Thanks again to Helio for an enjoyable and informative tasting.

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