Pre-Xmas Indulgence; 12/1/2023-12/22/2023 (Madrid y Alicante - España): Bottle that has been lying fifteen years in my little cellar. Cork softened, almost broken and with numerous traces of mold (pictured). Twenty-five years on and still retains a deep colour with a violet halo and a watery edges. Typicap nose of Pa Rioja wines with fleshy, cherrish notes of anthracite mineral, red berries, leather and sweet spices. Still in an austere vintage, a GR with a total aging of four years, no trace of oak. The palate has a velvety texture, a serious and distinguished wine. It retains a good acidity, is long and with grip. Extraordinary length and without any tannic barrier. It’s the kind of vintage I love. Sadly only a few come to appreciate these nuances.
Botella que ha estado tumbada quince años en mi bodeguita. Corcho reblandecido, casi roto y con numerosas trazas de moho (en la imagen). Veinticinco años encima y todavía conserva un profundo color con un halo violáceo y un ribete acuoso. Típica nariz en vinos de La Rioja con notas de carne fresca, acerezado, mineral de antracita, bayas rojas, cuero y especias dulces. Aún siendo una añada austera, un gran reserva con un envejecimiento total de cuatro años, ni rastro del roble. Al paladar presenta una textura aterciopelada, un vino serio y de distinción. Conserva una buena acidez, es largo y con agarre. Extraordinaria longitud y sin ninguna barrera tánica. Es el tipo de añada que me encanta. Lamentablemente sólo unos pocos llegan a apreciar estos matices.
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Single piece cork, no sign of seepage. 15% saturation Filtered, but does benefit from 30 minutes in a decanter.
Traditional nose, but with a slight feral streak. Flavours are balanced, there is the hallmark elegance of this bottling but it lacked the x factor from vintages like 2001. Still ahead of the pack in most vintages.
Tobacco, leather, an animal component…
Drink up, but no rush. Dubious about upside. 13% abv
SLDS May 2021: Pepper, roses, woody tobacco notes and cherry. Red flavoured fruit on the palate, with a bit of sweetness. Moderate depth and probably in the right spot for drinking now.
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Continues to be a great wine. Give it some air and some time for sure. Unfortunately I didn't decant this and I was disappointed that the last glass was where it was coming around. Wish I had given it proper time.
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12/1/2023 - Harley1199 Likes this wine:
Pre-Xmas Indulgence; 12/1/2023-12/22/2023 (Madrid y Alicante - España): Bottle that has been lying fifteen years in my little cellar. Cork softened, almost broken and with numerous traces of mold (pictured).
Twenty-five years on and still retains a deep colour with a violet halo and a watery edges. Typicap nose of Pa Rioja wines with fleshy, cherrish notes of anthracite mineral, red berries, leather and sweet spices. Still in an austere vintage, a GR with a total aging of four years, no trace of oak. The palate has a velvety texture, a serious and distinguished wine. It retains a good acidity, is long and with grip. Extraordinary length and without any tannic barrier. It’s the kind of vintage I love. Sadly only a few come to appreciate these nuances.
Botella que ha estado tumbada quince años en mi bodeguita. Corcho reblandecido, casi roto y con numerosas trazas de moho (en la imagen).
Veinticinco años encima y todavía conserva un profundo color con un halo violáceo y un ribete acuoso. Típica nariz en vinos de La Rioja con notas de carne fresca, acerezado, mineral de antracita, bayas rojas, cuero y especias dulces. Aún siendo una añada austera, un gran reserva con un envejecimiento total de cuatro años, ni rastro del roble. Al paladar presenta una textura aterciopelada, un vino serio y de distinción. Conserva una buena acidez, es largo y con agarre. Extraordinaria longitud y sin ninguna barrera tánica. Es el tipo de añada que me encanta. Lamentablemente sólo unos pocos llegan a apreciar estos matices.
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7/28/2021 - Tony Molester wrote:
Single piece cork, no sign of seepage.
15% saturation
Filtered, but does benefit from 30 minutes in a decanter.
Traditional nose, but with a slight feral streak.
Flavours are balanced, there is the hallmark elegance of this bottling but it lacked the x factor from vintages like 2001. Still ahead of the pack in most vintages.
Tobacco, leather, an animal component…
Drink up, but no rush. Dubious about upside.
13% abv
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5/12/2021 - CamWheeler wrote: 90 Points
SLDS May 2021: Pepper, roses, woody tobacco notes and cherry. Red flavoured fruit on the palate, with a bit of sweetness. Moderate depth and probably in the right spot for drinking now.
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11/24/2019 - Two Winos Likes this wine: 94 Points
Continues to be a great wine. Give it some air and some time for sure. Unfortunately I didn't decant this and I was disappointed that the last glass was where it was coming around. Wish I had given it proper time.
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5/28/2018 - K&J Likes this wine: 94 Points
An amazing wine! A very elegant Rioja - who knew it could happen? It is at its peak - I don't think it will survive too much longer but who knows?
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