2011 R. López de Heredia Rioja Reserva Viña Bosconia

Community Tasting Notes (50) Avg Score: 90.5 points

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  4/29/2024 - sid_loves_wine Likes this wine: 94 Points

  Okay, yes. I've tried Tondonia a few times now and although I've enjoyed it, I never fully got the hype. Based on my notes, a number of folks suggested I try Bosconia, and I can see why. This was definitely more appealing to me; it still shows really powerfully obvious old-school Rioja character, but with a much greater sense of balance, precision, and outright deliciousness for my palate than Tondonia (I know they fulfill different needs for wine lovers, and that's great.) This was very structured, slightly rustic and austere (by design), but not difficult to love at all.
  
  Loads of blackened fruit, much clearer fruit than in Tondonia, with fig jam and plum paste on the nose, and a notably brighter sort of cherry liqueur or even blood orange on the palate. Best of all, it's not all "dried fruit" as with other classical Rioja; there's a definite sense of freshness to accompany the softer, semi-dried tones. Large doses of old leather and fresh cut cedar planks round it off. Maybe a *touch* of that American oak coconut vibe, but it's more earthy than that. The tannins are powerful, but creamy and becoming largely integrated. Not too chalky or dusty.
  
  Obviously this could age quite a bit longer, but I'm inclined to suggest drinking it within the next few years. For me, the presence of actual, clear fruit in a classic Rioja was something to celebrate. I think I still slightly prefer Viña Ardanza for a similar price and style, but not enough to rate it higher. We enjoyed this while listening to old Paco de Lucía recordings for a beautiful, clichéd evening.

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  4/9/2024 - DevenStephens Likes this wine: 93 Points

  Honestly a great Rioja from the famous López de Heredia winery. Ruby color with some very slight bricking. Nose is cherry, vanilla and oak. Palate is elegant but fruit forward with strawberry and red cherry taking the lead followed by vanilla, cloves, cigar box and chocolate. For the price it's great and a good mid point in between the Cubillo and the Tondonia Reserva. It can also take another 5 years easily.

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  4/5/2024 - Manderson2 Likes this wine: 92 Points

  Decanted for an hour. Started a little closed off, with only some oakey notes coming through. After some air, the fruit came out with notes of blackberry, cherry, and hints of mushroom. Similar notes on the palate. Medium plus acidity. Have another bottle, and plan to wait at least 5 years before opening.

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  3/25/2024 - EirikEdge Likes this wine: 91 Points

  Have heard alot about this wine and now was the time to try it, and it did not dissepoint! Ripe red fruit, cherry, black cherry, plum, soya, leather, oka vanilla and wet forest floor. Super smooth, complex and super balance. Had it with a hardy lamb stue, perfect match! Deffinet reby!

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  3/24/2024 - Martin_G wrote: 90 Points

  Elegance and cherries, yes. More fruit-oriented than prior vintages? Still, knowing how great those got with age - dont see why this wouldnt also, just in another way. Im a buyer.
  
  2nd night: better, even fresher fruit. Beauty in the making. Upping my score (89) to 90+.

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