2001 Bodega Abel Mendoza Rioja Jarrarte

Community Tasting Notes (34) Avg Score: 89.6 points

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  3/8/2024 - bon vivant wrote: 91 Points

  There seems to be a lot of variance so I approached this bottle (purchased on release) with hesitation. I am happy to report all was well. Not much sediment and this came alive quickly in a small decanter. Predominantly red fruit on aromatics and flavors this was rather delicate and soft and very well balanced. The texture reminded me of Pinot Noir which is unusual for a Rioja as the tannins were so soft and integrated. While i personally preferred a 2001 Finca Allende which we had SbS for the latter wine's complexity and structure, It was the Jarrarte that was the crowd pleasing wine around the rest of the table. My only nit was that the wine was a bit monolithic but it made for a tasty drink all the same. I will hope for similar results with remaining bottles.

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  3/11/2022 - WallingfordHome Does not like this wine: 76 Points

  One of two bottles left of the 2001. This bottle has lost all of its fruit, and is now rather astringent and not at all pleasant to drink. Almost no nose left at all. I was surprised at this because this wine typically can hold up for a while, but this one has not done so.
  If you have any left it is time to drink this stuff up immediately as it is getting to be unenjoyable.
  
  5-31-22
  Second bottle of same wine not as horrible as the first. Much more enjoyable, thought still lacking enough fruit to give it heft. Perfect condition cork. New rating for second bottle closer to 87 than my previous review.

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  4/24/2013 - VTCellarDweller Likes this wine: 91 Points

  This was the second of six bottles purchased at release. The first bottle was consumed several years ago and I did not make notes. It was decanted for 30 minutes leaving a fairly large clump of granular crusty sediment.
  On first pour, the color was a medium crimson with modest bricking at the edge. The aromatics were restrained with secondary aspects most prominent. It was medium in weight with warm subtle mature flavors. It opened up considerably over the next hour with dinner and the last pour left me much more favorably inclined than I had expected.
  This was not a wine that comes on aggressively. Rather it was more refined and subtle with the primary aspects taking a back seat to mature suggestions of earth, old leather, plum sauce, fall leaves, and spice. It was exceptionally well balanced with tannins that were smooth and well integrated.
  This is in a very nice place now and could, if well stored drink nicely for 2-3 more years.

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  12/22/2012 - bretrooks wrote: 89 Points

  Not decanted but opened an hour before pouring, consumed over 1 hour with dinner. Not much fruit left in this bottle, mostly just savory, beefy notes with aspects of something tarry or leathery on the medium finish. Decently structured but resolved enough to drink well, this seemed past its prime to me. 88-89, and I'm not sure this will evolve into anything compelling, so I'd suggesting drinking up in the next year or so.

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  5/4/2012 - robmatic wrote: 90 Points

  Wow, much better than the bottle I had a few weeks ago. Strong, sappy juice, with a streak of tannins and vibrant acids. Drinking well now but should keep for some time.

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