1954 R. López de Heredia Rioja Viña Bosconia

Community Tasting Notes (10) Avg Score: 93.7 points

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  4/22/2019 - NickBurwood Likes this wine: 93 Points

  Original case bought for my 60th. Easter Bank Holiday lunch with whole family (just after my 65th).
  2 bottles aerated, decanted and stoppered separately for 30/60 minutes respectively.
  Both bottles low level, first cork dry and crumbly, second moist - ditto. Initial first bottle tasting glass showed all the previously noted characteristics, charred spiced fruit, smoke, leather, vegetal and truffly and was fully ready to drink. Second bottle had same profile but showed some volatile acidity so held back for cheese course.
  First bottle drank excellently but overall lacked some of the intensity and grip of others in the case (91pts). Second bottle, having had an extra half hour + in decanter had lost its aforesaid volatility and was sensational - talk about variance - 95+pts: average 93.
  Will hold my last bottle for my 70th but caveat emptor applies at this age.
  

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  5/19/2018 - chcook wrote:

  PNP. wax capsule completely disintegrated and mostly gone w obvious leakage w some mold at top. significant ullage. worked the crumbling cork out with an impromptu durand. Color opaque brown with amber edges. nose reminiscent of old port. swishing shows fully oxidized fruit without any tannin, alcohol, or acid to speak of. finish was actually pleasant turning the faintest bitter on the end. dunno if this was a representative bottle (found in a crumbling cardboard box on the floor of a wine shop in Madrid). this was potable but not what i expected.....amazed though that it wasnt vinegar. must have been something to behold in its youth.
  
  after being open 5 days on the counter without a cork it is unmoved....reminiscent of an aged balsamic

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  11/18/2014 - buckeye76 wrote: 95 Points

  ORANGE ON THE EDGE, AMAZINGLY GOOD CONDITION FOR A SIXTY YEAR OLD WINE. DEEP BERRY FRUIT IN THE NOSE WITH HINTS OF LICORICE AND MINT. BLACKBERRIES,DRIED PLUMS & LICORICE TASTE.COMPLEX,LONG FNSH

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  6/15/2014 - NickBurwood Likes this wine: 94 Points

  In spite of a level 3+ inches below the cork, this bottle was in perfect fettle.
  60 minute double decant to strain out crumbly cork remains and stoppered until drinking time.
  Classical brick colour! Vegetal, charred summer pudding fruit and smoke aroma. Truffly, concentrated brûlée dark fruit flavours, dusty intensity and perfect rounded integrated acid balance; full but mellow - no harsh dried out edges at all as you sometimes get with wines of this age.
  Good length - all in all an outstanding 60 year old.
  Will drink my remaining three bottles over the next twelve months or so as there is no obvious gain in cellaring them any longer - but no rush if you choose to hold.

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  4/13/2014 - NickBurwood Likes this wine: 94 Points

  60th Birthday at home with 15 guests and superb caterer (Kalm Kitchen) - wines from my cellar. Limited note taking.
  6 bottles decanted separately 2 hours before drinking, stoppered immediately and opened for ten minutes or so before serving. All bottles in good condition, levels of smokiness on aroma variable. Accompanied braised beef cheek with trimmings.
  Guests were amazed at this wine which showed as in my earlier notes. They particularly commented on the deep colour and the brûlée dark fruit character. Bonus point over my previous mark due to universal plaudits of guests.

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View all 10 Community Tasting Notes

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