Rioja dinner

A very pleasant six-man dinner to sample some riojas served in flights of three single blind.

• NV Equipo Navazos La Bota de Palo Cortado 34 "Pata de Gallina" 91 Points

  Spain, Andalucía, Jerez-Xérès-Sherry

  Powerful, peaty, complex, a lovely touch of sweetness

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• 1991 Bodegas Riojanas Rioja Viña Albina Reserva 89 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, Rioja

  Bright, savoury, nice touch of spice, but elusive at times

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• 1991 C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Rioja Imperial Reserva 90 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

  The most obviously rioja wine of this first trio with its creamy oak, ripe, a bit lactic, but fine

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• 1991 Bodegas Riojanas Rioja Monte Real Reserva 91 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, Rioja

  Funkier, punchier and all round more vibrant than the preceding wines, really substantial, my favourite of these three

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• 1987 R. López de Heredia Rioja Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia 91 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

  Plush, red fruited, but tight, not fully expressive, but obviously very fine and I presumed it was the GR

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• 1987 R. López de Heredia Rioja Reserva Viña Tondonia 92 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

  Open, frank, lush raspberry fruit, like a burgundy on the mid-palate although it finished more obviously rioja - this was gorgeous

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• 1973 R. López de Heredia Rioja Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia Flawed

  Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

  Hideously corked

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• 1987 Bodegas y Viñedos del Contino Rioja Contino Reserva Flawed

  Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alavesa, Rioja

  TCA on the nose, but much less noticeable on the palate where it came over quite rich and red fruited

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