Community Tasting Note
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Lilja wrote: 88 points
February 11, 2015 - Even though this is too much oak (by a lot!) for me, I can't argue with the high quality and uniqueness of the wine.
100% Viura and only 1,500 numbered bottles. Multi-vintage of 5 different years (doesn't state which though) and all vintages rested for 6 months on lees and on average 3 years on American oak, French oak and acacia.
Thanks to user, Los 12 Glotones for this additional information:
It's a blend of 2006-2007-2008-2009-2010 and 2011 (50%-50%). Wines from 2006 to 2010 age in "tinos", big oak barrels, and every year a part is replaced and used for blending with last harvest (2011) that has been ageing in oak barrels as well.
But all this oak comes through like a smack in the face, a smack with a freshly sawn piece of timber. Slightly sticky nose of resins, terpentine, rubber, dill and vanilla. Not a lot of fruit, but there's a little pear and orange peel. Lots of spices and nuts. But mainly oak.
Medium acidity, a bit of bitterness, dry and full bodied. HIgh intensity and a medium+ length. Slightly warm finish.1 person found this helpful 2,589 views
5 Comments
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Los 12 Glotones commented:
2/11/15, 2:24 AM - This wine is produced recovering the ancient Riojan tradition of 4º and 5º Año. It's a blend of 2006-2007-2008-2009-2010 and 2011 (50%-50%). Wines from 2006 to 2010 age in "tinos", big oak barrels, and every year a part is replaced and used for blending with last harvest (2011) that has been ageing in oak barrels as well. 50-60 years ago it was a usual tradition in Rioja and most wineries had at least one or two non vintage wines (dry and medium dry) produced under this method in order to ensure high quality standards year after year. I strongly recommend you to store this wine at least for 3 more years and you'll see the difference. White Rioja vinified in an appropiate way has an incredible laydown potential, even much longer than red wines. Regards!!!
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Lilja commented:
2/11/15, 2:28 AM - @Los 12 Glotones - Thanks a lot for this info! Not easy to find good information on the internet about these less famous wines!
I'm guessing the Acacia wood gives a lot of these resin/amber-smelling notes. I love mature white Riojas, but I felt this was so dominated by oak it is very hard to see what will come out on the other side (of a long cellaring).
Chers
/Magnus -
Los 12 Glotones commented:
2/11/15, 3:04 AM - Hi Magnus!! If you are looking information or interested in old rioja wines have a look at our blogsite: vinosclasicos.blogspot.com.es . It's written in Spanish but you can easily translate it.
Until 1936-1939, Spanish Civil War, Rioja produced an extraordinary amount of white wine, even higher than reds. Believe me that "viura" grape has an outstanding laydown potential. I've taste many old white wines (1930-1950) and they're absolute drinkable and enjoyable. Unfortunately the ancient vinification methods are not longer been used. An exemple: Paternina 1930 Gran Reseva Blanco was bottled in 1968... Can you imagine? 38 years... The cost of producing such of these wines was impossible to affor by wineries. What a pity!!!
Viura grape, also known as macabeo, is a relatively neutral grape, non indicated for young wines, but grows in bottle and doesn't age. López de Heredia used to buy its white reserva Viña Tondonia three years later than Tondonia red reserva. And the reason is because it has more ageing potential. Don't doubt to store white Tondonia for a long period. Regards!!! -
Lilja commented:
2/11/15, 5:54 AM - Thanks for your insightful comments. Will be sure to check out your blog!
/Magnus -
Los 12 Glotones commented:
2/11/15, 7:03 AM - Well, in fact it's not my blog. I'm just a member of a wine tasting group focused on old and rare Rioja. If you need information about these wines don't hesitate to write us. Regards!!