February 29, 2020 - Matts 50th; 2/28/2020-3/2/2020 (Costa Brava): Light body and bright colour, just a little bricking on the rim, leather and cherry, a bit of mature tobacco, the acid is very present and slightly sticking out now but a very fresh tasting wine for its age, if a little light and short
January 28, 2020 - 94 Grande. Atejado, pero con el centro de la copa aún manteniendo un rojo prometedor. Nariz inicial cerrada, polvorienta, desarrolla luego trufa, sangre y todo tipo de aromas terciarios. En boca es espléndido, entero, sedoso, con una acidez aún presente y una finura muy elegante. Acompañando a un menú basado en la trufa ha dado la talla. Excelente, y una botella para pensar en cómo evolucionarán los vinos actuales frente a cómo lo han hecho los de hace ya 50 años.
December 30, 2019 - Tasted half-blind.
Translucent, developed pomegranate color with a wide, colorless rim. Aged and somewhat weird nose with all kinds of funky aromas like caramel, some bruised apple, a little bit of strawberry jam, light rubbery tones, an oxidative hint of meat consommé, a touch of Beerenauslese-ish mushroomy character and a whiff of old furniture. The wine is dry, old and medium-bodied with flavors of charred popcorn, some tart apple tones, a little bit of varnish, light leathery tones, a hint of tart lingonberry and a touch of beef jerky. The wine feels quite tough on the palate with its high acidity and unresolved, hard tannins that are starting to stick out from the tertiary fruit. The finish is tough, tannic and medium-long with flavors of tart lingonberries, some developed meaty tones, a little bit of soy sauce, light sweet notes of honey (yes, that sounds a bit weird in a red wine) and a metallic touch of brett.
A tough, old and rather lean Rioja with age. Most likely past its peak, as it would be hard to believe the winery would've released something that was this weird and unbalanced in its youth. Still retains surprisingly much fruit despite its age, but I doubt any amount of decanting or further cellaring will make the wine come any more together. Perhaps drinkable, but starting to slowly fall in pieces. Obviously no need whatsoever to age any further.
August 2, 2018 - Another consistent bottle. Decanted due to broken cork. Slightly reduced after opening but kept growing in the glass for an hour or so.... Delicate aromas of dried red fruit, underbrush and old cedar. But it's on palate where this one shined. Fantastic weight and texture with enough acidity to feel it fresh. Outstanding for an +1 hour until started to fade. Decanting probably didn't help.
December 9, 2017 - Fully mature and showing quite well but not outstanding. Medium color, thin, dry and elegant with underbrush flavors, dried leaves and dried fruit that reminds sloes. Very enjoyable.
January 6, 2017 - 1970 BODEGAS FRANCO-ESPANOLAS ROYAL RESERVA RIOJA- browning color with a dark hue; very sweet, not to a fault, delicious spicy black cherry/ berry fruit in a medium body and lingering fruity finish.
April 26, 2016 - Two visitors, three birthdays and seventeen wines from all over. (ABA Turkish Restaurant): Classic old Rioja with it's cherry, spicy cedar and citrus profile. Still has a good core of fruit and shows a touch more depth and balance than the Montecillo. Fairly resolved and finishes with citrus and leather. Solid B+.
March 21, 2016 - Faded light red to brown. All VA and stewed, pruney fruit. Undrinkable.
September 14, 2015 - Beautiful aromatics, silky texture, very round and integrated.
March 1, 2015 - Showing at it's best. Still tannic grip. Rather etherial.