wrote:

88 Points

Monday, February 17, 2014 - Weekly tasting group #107; A fully blind test. (@ My place): Mature bouquet with autumn impressions, some smoke and tobacco. On the palate rustic, some chocolate, tea, tobacco, firm acidity, still jammy fruits and vanilla. Also some oxidized impressions. The acidity is a bit overruling in the wine. Overall this wine remind a bit of the "Grand Reserva" Rioja wines from the 1980's, where the oaky, high acidity plays a major role. Special wine and not sure if I really like it. The score for today was 88. Have another 75 cl. bottle and 2 magnums, so there will be a follow up.

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3 comments have been posted

  • Comment posted by Harley1199:

    2/22/2014 3:17:00 PM - Dear Zweder,
    If even you're thinking that bottle variation is possible, I've to change completly my thoughts about how a bottle of Rioja Reserva evolves...
    May I suggest that a dumb phase, as in many other areas like Bordeaux, Barolo, Jura, Rhone, etc. really exists?
    I also heve 3 more bottles... just follow me: 2021, 2026 and 2031 because we're young enough, aren't we?
    Please, don't worry me...
    Cheers!

  • Comment posted by Zweder:

    2/22/2014 5:19:00 PM - Hi Harley,
    Your comment was not really unexpected…;-). I realize this must be a special wine because La Rioja Alta bottled this “Especial” only in 1964 and 1973 before 2001. I was anxious to try, but unfortunately this bottle did not deliver that special experience I hoped for. But I have the patience to wait; so I will. I have a few friends who own this wine as well, so there will probably be another tasting note before 2021.
    Cheers!

  • Comment posted by Harley1199:

    2/23/2014 5:24:00 AM - Zweder,
    So much predictable I am :-)
    See you on 2021, probably before that date even
    Cheers!

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label

2001 La Rioja Alta Rioja Viña Ardanza Reserva Especial

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