1996 Bodegas Primicia Rioja Julian Madrid Reserva de la Familia

Community Tasting Notes (1) Avg Score: 92 points

• Options

  • Post a Comment
  • View forceberry's profile
  • Report Issue

  11/11/2021 - forceberry wrote: 92 Points

  Named after the winery founder. A blend of Tempranillo (80%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (20%). Aged for 20 months in new American oak barrels. Bottle #12077 of total 15000 bottles. 13% alcohol. Tasted blind.
  
  Very deep and dark black cherry with an evolved, slightly rusty-brown hue. An evolved and enjoyably complex nose true to the regional style; aromas of sweet, wizened figs and leather saddle, some dried dates, a little bit of strawberry jam, light earthy notes, a hint of Cabernet's blackcurrant character and a touch of dried dill. The wine is dry, ripe and silky on the palate with a medium-to-moderately full body and complex, subtly sweet-toned flavors of leather saddle and tobacco, some dill, light dried-fruit flavors of wizened figs and raisins, a little bit of ferrous blood, a rustic hint of stable floor and a touch of vanilla. The structure relies more on the moderately grippy medium-plus tannins than on the rather modest acidity. the finish is long, complex and moderately grippy with flavors of wizened figs and leather saddle, some stable floor, a little bit of pruney dark fruit, light oaky notes of vanilla and cloves, a hint of dill and a subtly oxidative touch of meat stew.
  
  An excellent, wonderfully evolved Rioja that is very true to the region - most attendees guessed Rioja almost immediately. My guess was 1994 Rioja Gran Reserva, so not that far from the truth, although not a bullseye either. Pretty great stuff now. With the understated blackcurrant nuances and still somewhat noticeable oaky tones, it feels like this must've been stylistically much more "modernist" in its youth, but age has done its thing and integrated the flavors together nicely, so the wine feels quite classically styled now, 25 years after the vintage. All in all, an enjoyable effort with a pleasantly rustic overall feel and firm tannic structure. I would've enjoyed a bit higher acidity, as the wine feels a bit soft and round in that respect, but otherwise this was pretty terrific stuff. A steal at mere 12€.

  Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment

Professional reviews have copyrights and you can view them here for your personal use only as private content. To view pro reviews you must either subscribe to a pre-integrated publication or manually enter reviews below. Learn more.