I never would have guessed this wine was a Rioja if I tasted it blind. Even with a 3-hour decant, it was still a fortress of tannins. Color is very dark, and it's throwing some sediment - but apparently not enough. I could catch glimpses of fruit in the distance, but they were heavily guarded. Otherwise, the oak is well integrated, and the flavors are refined. I wish I had waited 5+ years longer. I've rated this vintage a 90 based on my current experience. It could get significantly better, but since it's already had 9 years in bottle, I wonder.
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Nice and balanced but not very exiting. Still harsh tannins. Maybe not decanted enough time to open up, but it was drunk over two hours plus 1 1/2 decant. Still very good rioja though, but on this range the Chirel or Real de Asua are more enjoyable and savory IMHO
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3/31/2024 - Mimesis wrote: 90 Points
I never would have guessed this wine was a Rioja if I tasted it blind. Even with a 3-hour decant, it was still a fortress of tannins. Color is very dark, and it's throwing some sediment - but apparently not enough. I could catch glimpses of fruit in the distance, but they were heavily guarded. Otherwise, the oak is well integrated, and the flavors are refined. I wish I had waited 5+ years longer.
I've rated this vintage a 90 based on my current experience. It could get significantly better, but since it's already had 9 years in bottle, I wonder.
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8/20/2018 - Marcosuru wrote: 91 Points
Nice and balanced but not very exiting. Still harsh tannins. Maybe not decanted enough time to open up, but it was drunk over two hours plus 1 1/2 decant.
Still very good rioja though, but on this range the Chirel or Real de Asua are more enjoyable and savory IMHO
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5/20/2018 - Frijole wrote:
deep dark blackish red, little clarity, maroon hue
Nose: blackberry, plum, cola, tobacco, vanilla, chocolate, dust, oak
Pal: blackberry, plum, cola, tobacco, cigar, leather, chocolate, vanilla, clove, bay leaf, silver, green pepper, black pepper, tannins, oak, some complexity
Feel: medium, full, savory, acidic
Finish: medium, long
T9
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