2001 La Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva 904

Community Tasting Note

pjaines wrote:

Wednesday, November 5, 2014 - Whilst I can admire the winemaking on display here I just struggle to get past that drying oak/tomato tang that seems to stick out. "No, its not you, its me" is the usual line that gets played out when dumping someone, but with me I really do think my palate has picked up an aversion to all forms of Rioja (both good and bad). And this one is good, its just that I dont like it.

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13 comments have been posted

Comment posted by StefanAkiko:

11/5/2014 9:34:00 AM - Oj-oj-oj?
Did you loose your happiness for these age-worthy Riojas?
I lost my love for Rioja after an over-dose of young GR and R in the 1990'ies, but regained it some years ago.
However: All the dill-drenched ones go down my drain.
Comment posted by Harley1199:

11/5/2014 2:31:00 PM - Oh, so sad to read that...take your time but come back home
We'll be waiting you
Cheers!
Comment posted by kingkanu:

11/5/2014 2:49:00 PM - I've read polarising reviews of this wine, I won't be opening my bottles for a few years yet and assume/hope that the producer and vintage will deliver, even though it's 2001 it's a very recent release still
Comment posted by pjaines:

11/6/2014 1:00:00 AM - Well, the wine is very very good, it is just that my palate seems to increasingly have an aversion to these kind of wines - I've gradually gone off Rioja to the point that I barely have any now (Tondonia is the exception). This stuff will age for years, but I think that oaky background note will always be there.
Comment posted by StefanAkiko:

11/6/2014 1:05:00 AM - So, where is your palate taking you these days? Petit Syrah? Beaujolais Nouveau? Corvina Novello? Whites?
I seem to remember you enjoyed the cold climate Spanish wine I brought?
Comment posted by pjaines:

11/6/2014 1:07:00 AM - Lots of lovely Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir, Beaujolais and Rhone.....thats the way to go Stefan. I have quite a lot of other Spanish in the cellar now (including that one you brought me). Petite Sirah? I'd rather give up drinking all together than ever touch that stuff again.
Comment posted by StefanAkiko:

11/6/2014 1:47:00 AM - Next time I bring something to drink with you, I'd love to bring something that you actually enjoy. You are so picky... There are some fabulous PS from California, for instant several vintages of the Rattelsnake Acres etc by Mr Turley (avoid his sister, Helen Turley, as she is the jam grand master of all wine jam makers).
I don't understand why you dislike oak in Rioja and enjoy it with Bgn?
Ya-ya, it's your preference...
Comment posted by Harley1199:

11/6/2014 10:01:00 AM - Pretty obvious that palate changes during time...but also our mood is a real influence drinking wine.
Anyway in your next trip to Madrid, please don't hesitate to give me a ring
Jap-Swedish conexion is planning to come over here in spring time...could be nice to join us.
Cheers!
Comment posted by pjaines:

11/7/2014 12:54:00 AM - I fear a rip in the space-time continium whenever I drink wine with that Swedish nutter. Madrid sounds lovely though - I can imagine a very long, boozy meal.
Comment posted by Harley1199:

11/7/2014 5:35:00 AM - Don't panic, we're just hispanics :-)
Of course, several nice meals will be included...you're welcome anytime
Cheers!
Comment posted by StefanAkiko:

11/7/2014 6:08:00 AM - It all sounds GREAT :-)
And that British Brute actually drinks like a Finn!!!
Comment posted by pjaines:

9/9/2015 2:57:00 AM - As a follow up to this post, I actually purchased some of the 2004. I'll see if I can get on with that better than the 2001. I'll try 1 bottle and let the rest sleep for 10+ years.
Comment posted by Harley1199:

9/10/2015 4:59:00 PM - Dear PJaines, don't forget to fill up your cellar with 2005. Also excellent.
Cheers!