Important Update From the Founder

Blind Spanish Reds Tasting

Minneapolis, MN

Tasted May 12, 2012 by GoBlue2002 with 535 views

Introduction

8 wines were purchased, mainly from Rioja and Ribera del Duero. All but 1 were Tempranillo based. Wines were tasted blind by a group of 9 people over the course of an evening, with snacks. Everyone started with a different wine in the line-up.

Flight 1 - 8 Spanish Reds (8 notes)

Wines labeled A-H in blind tasting. Wine A - Ramon Bilbao... Wine H - Campo Viejo.

Red

2008 Bodegas Ramon Bilbao Tempranillo Rioja Crianza Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

85 points

Tasted blind. Aromas of dried fruit, bell pepper, and oak. Still quite tannic.

Comment

Red

2001 Bodegas Campillo Rioja Reserva Spain, La Rioja, Rioja

87 points

Drank blind. Aromas of dark and tree fruit. Aged aroma & appearance. Slightly tannic with some complexity.

Comment

Red

2005 Lui & William Wines Toro Abelis Carthago Lui Selection Spain, Castilla y León, Toro

87 points

Tasted blind. Nice aroma of dried fruit with some oak and spice. Full bodied and well balanced, although shows significant tannins.

Comment

Red

2010 Bodegas Ilurce Graciano Rioja Rio Madre Spain, La Rioja, Rioja

87 points

Tasted Blind. Aromas of dark fruit and jam, very dark in color. Bold flavors of dark berries, plum, bell pepper, and currant. Lighter in mouthfeel than the color would suggest.

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Red

2009 Más Que Vinos Tempranillo Ercavio Roble Spain, Castilla-La Mancha, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla

83 points

Tasted blind. Very weak aromas and lacks much flavor. Slightly too acidic and tannic.

Comment

Red

2007 Bodegas Montecillo Rioja Crianza Spain, La Rioja, Rioja

89 points

Tasted blind. Strong aromas of dark fruit and oak. The tannins are noticeable, but in balance. The finish is long but lacks complexity. The runaway favorite of the tasting.

Comment

Red

2010 Bodegas Ochoa Navarra Garnacha/Tempranillo Spain, Navarra

85 points

Tasted blind. Dark ripe fruit aromas. Overly tannic and lacks intensity.

Comment

Red

2006 Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva Spain, La Rioja, Rioja

88 points

Tasted blind. Aromas of dark and dried fruit. The wine was slightly sweet, with low acidity and moderate tannins. Overall well balanced and smooth, but lacking much distinction.

Comment

Closing

The results from the blind tasting - Points (1st place votes) [last place votes]:
1st - 2007 Bodegas Montecillo Rioja Crianza - 23 (5) [1]
2nd - 2010 Bodegas Ilurce Rioja Rio Madre - 34 (2) [0]
2nd - 2006 Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva - 34 (1) [1]
4th - 2001 Bodegas Campillo Rioja Reserva Selecta - 38 (0) [1]
5th - 2008 Bodegas Ramon Bilbao Tempranillo Rioja Crianza - 39 (0) [0]
6th - 2010 Bodegas Ochoa Navarra Garnacha Tempranillo - 41 (1) [3]
7th - 2005 Abelis Carthago Toro Lui Selection Crianza - 49 (0) [1]
8th - 2009 Más Que Vinos Tempranillo Ercavio Roble - 56 (0) [2]

Based on level:
Young: 2nd (Tie), 6th, 8th
Crianza: 1st, 5th, 7th
Reserva: 2nd (Tie), 4th

Overall a slight trend towards preferring aged wines.

Blind Spanish Reds Tasting

Minneapolis, MN

Introduction

Flight 1 - 8 Spanish Reds (8 notes)

Closing

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