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Rioja tasting at Arild's

Ulsrud

Tasted September 13, 2013 by asheio with 274 views

Introduction

6 Riojas paired with Lamb casserole from Korsika

Flight 1 (2 notes)

Red
1991 Faustino Rioja I Gran Reserva Spain, La Rioja, Rioja
88 points
Brick red, some developed color, but surprisingly dark. Sweet spices, strawberries, soil and tobacco on the nose. Medium minus body, juicy, intense acidity. Still some tannins left. Long finish.
A bit thin, but this one is in a surprisingly good shape given it's age.
Red
1994 Faustino Rioja I Gran Reserva Spain, La Rioja, Rioja
91 points
Relatively dark color, some developed. Intense and compact nose. Some flesh, soil and chocolate. Intense and fleshy on the palate, quite rustic. Very dry, with still a good amount of tannins. In a very good shape, quite impressive!
1 person found this helpful Comment

Flight 2 (1 note)

Red
1981 Bodegas Montecillo Rioja Gran Reserva Seleccion Especial Spain, La Rioja, Rioja
Clear orange color. Mushrooms, stock and some chemical on the nose. Light bodied, high acidity, dry. Not much left in this bottle.

Flight 3 (1 note)

Red
1998 La Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva 904 Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja
90 points
From magnum. Light red, some orange edge. Intense nose of oak/vanilla, strawberry jam and some acetone. Appears quite a lot younger on magnum compared to the "normal" bottle. Smooth and juicy, very noticeable oak on the palate as well. Nice acidity, good length.
The oak dominates at the moment, further storage is highly recommended.

Flight 4 (2 notes)

Red
2009 Bodegas Muga Rioja Reserva Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja
88 points
Dark and tight red. Compact nose, with intense dark forest fruit and ink. Some oak there, but already well integrated. Intense and juicy, massive dark fruit on the palate as well. Good length.
Nice aging potential, and as always very good QPR.
Red
2009 Bodegas Muga Rioja Torre Muga Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja
91 points
Dark red. Compact aroma with forest fruit, some oak and alcohol. Very intense on the palate. Massive fruit, nice acidity and a solid amount of tannins.
Impressive wine, which needs time in the cellar.
1 person found this helpful Comment
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