Archive for the ‘Rioja’ Category

Palacios Remondo La Vendimia 2004

Friday, September 25th, 2009

Palacios Remondo La Vendimia 2004

Google tells me that “La Vendimia” can be translated as “harvest”. Made as a joven wine, which I believe means that the wine is meant to be consumed within a year or two of vintage. Hmmmm, I have been slow off the mark again. This wine is a blend of Garnacha and Tempranillo. Two bottles have been consumed, and with pretty consistent results. On the nose, cherries, undergrowth, stones, underbrush and a bit of earth. The palate showed cherries and mulberries, a stony dryness and fine tannins. With time it gained some complexity. Holding up well for a wine that was supposed to be in the wheelie bin a couple of years ago. I wavered over the score during the evening, 87, 89, 88, but I think 88 seems about right. Drink up!

Rated : 88 Points
Tasted : Aug09
Alcohol : 13.5%
Price : $28
Closure : Cork
Drink : 2009-2009
Source : Cellar

Posted in $20 to $50, Notes, Price, Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo, Varietal/Style | No Comments »

Marques de Riscal Reserva 2004

Monday, July 20th, 2009

Marques de Riscal Reserva 2004

You gotta love a wine in a wire cage; it just shouts “Beware! Danger!”. This is of course nonsense. A complex and elusive nose: black plums, red cherries, spice, graphite, warm leather, coffee grounds and a touch of cedar. The palate is also packed with flavours, showing cherries more than plums, wood spices, nuts, blackberries, herbs, sweet earthy spices and cinnamon. Savoury and a touch rustic, though there is some fineness about it, medium bodied and very satisfying. My first encounter with this wine, and very enjoyable it was. I will have to look out for subsequent vintages.

Rated : 92 Points
Tasted : Jul09
Alcohol : 13.5%
Price : $48
Closure : Cork
Drink : 2009-2014+
Source : Cellar
Website : Marques de Riscal

Posted in $20 to $50, Notes, Price, Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo, Varietal/Style | 3 Comments »

Martínez Bujanda Finca Valpiedra Reserva 1998

Monday, June 29th, 2009

Finca Valpiedra Reserva 1998

The 200-acre Finca Valpiedra vineyard is located in the heart of the Rioja Alta, and has been owned by the Martínez Bujanda Family for more that two decades. This is my first encounter with the wine. Lots of stuff happening on the nose, and in no particular order, showed cream, milk chocolate, cherries, coffee beans, minerals and rust. The palate is beautifully textured with loads of finesse, creamy oak and red currants through the mid-palate, tangy pureed tomatoes and minerals. The tannins are excellent, and still a little grippy, which I quite liked. Tasty plus plus.

Rated : 93 Points
Tasted : Jun09
Alcohol : 13.5%
Price : $60
Closure : Cork
Drink : 2009-2013+
Source : Cellar
Website : Martínez Bujanda

Posted in $50 to $100, Notes, Price, Rioja, Spain | 6 Comments »

Bodegas Roda II Reserva 1999

Saturday, June 30th, 2007

Bodegas Roda II Reserva 1999

I got this in a 4 pack from Boccaccio Cellars: one each of the ‘99, ‘00, ‘01 and ‘02. I initially thought this was something that Anthony threw together but it would seem that it was actually from the winery, because it came in a lovely Roda box with a booklet outlining all things Rodaish. No, I haven’t read it, but I will one day.

Herbs, red cherry fruits, red currants and earth. A lighter palate than I expected, particularly after trying an ‘03 recently. Initially it showed red fruits, dried leather, dried herbs and a minerally dryness, but it opened up nicely to display more of a red liquorice character, with a leathery richness and livelier red fruits, like raspberries. A super wine – I wish I had more; drink over the next 3-5 years.

Rated : 90 Points
Tasted : Jun07
Alcohol : 13.0%
Price : $60
Closure : Cork
Drink : 2007 – 2012
Source : Boccaccio Cellars
Website : Roda

Posted in Notes, Rioja, Spain | No Comments »