Gran Bombero

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2004

If you know, you know.

Just eying the bottle evokes a sense of mysticism—these are increasingly rare sightings, relics of a winemaking philosophy nearly lost to time. Opening it after a recent visit to the winery feels familiar, almost fated.

The color holds strong despite its 20+ years, with a core of garnet that defies its age. On the nose, memory takes over: the scent of the underground cellar, the mold-covered walls, the rustic perfume of wood and brick. Then come the classics notes—dried rose petals, red berries, and a whisper of spice.

The palate surprises with more volume than the bottle’s vintage muster’s. Lively red fruit mingles with savory earth and warm spice, carried by silken tannins. The finish lingers with a trace of wet oak, grounding the experience in place and time.

This is a wine of lineage, character, and quiet perseverance—a style too uncommon today. Most importantly, it was opened, shared, and deeply enjoyed.
— 15 days ago

Paul, Dave and 2 others liked this

Bodegas Faustino

Gran Reserva Faustino I Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2010

v10. Very good! Toasty vanilla and tobacco nose. Bright, rich, dark blackberry, plum and tar fruit. Long, bold, slightly astringent tanned leather finish. Still aging!!! — 2 days ago

C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España)

Imperial Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2017

A. R.
9.1

Classic, full bodied and structured GR rioja. High acid, still some unresolved tannin. Food wine. — a month ago

Ted, Douglas and 4 others liked this

Baron de Ley

Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 2018

A big Rioja. Surprisingly ready to drink, tanins have softened, still powerful. Dark garnet color, aromatic nose of earth and herbs. Round Palate balanced and tasty. Recommended. Great VfM. — 13 hours ago

Ruffino

Riserva Ducale Oro Gran Selezione Chianti Classico Sangiovese 2020

Deep Ruby color with aromas of dark fruits, spice and toasty oak. On the palate flavors of cherry, blackberry and plum with spice, herbs, cacao, tobacco and toasty tones from 18 months of oak aging. Full ripe tannins you can bite into, long finish ending with fruit and an earthy toasty spice character. Nice! Will age! — 11 days ago

Paul, Anthony and 4 others liked this

Bodegas Beronia

Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2016

Primarily Tempranillo with some Graciano and Mazuelo blended in. Deep ruby color with a garnet rim. Intense black fruit aromas, leather and baking spices. Flavors of blackberry, black plum, baker’s chocolate, cinnamon and tobacco. Nice cedar, dill and vanilla notes on the long and lasting finish. Smooth and very well rounded tannins. Great balance of oak, acidity and alcohol. Full bodied. Fresh, well structured and complex. — a month ago

Tom, Austin and 3 others liked this

Viña Real (CVNE)

Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2018

Called Rioja. Super-dill coconut give-away. — 7 days ago

Tom, Scott@Mister and 1 other liked this

Campo Viejo

Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 2016

Sight: Completely opaque, blood red, slight tawny. On nose: fruit forward, tobacco. On mouth: very smooth, full bodied, was difficult to taste fruits but strong oak and earthy presence. Might not have been at correct temperature. — 17 days ago

El Enemigo

Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Cabernet Franc 2020

Shows notes of blackberry, violet, wild herbs, and spice, wrapped in a chalky, structured frame. Elegant, savory, and age-worthy. Ethereal expression of the varietal and terroir. — a month ago

Ted, Daniel and 7 others liked this

El Coto de Rioja

Gran Reserva Coto de Imaz Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2018

See my photo on iPhone. Had with Marc’s folks in Leiden. So unique notes with Tempranillo although to me a bit too fruity on the front. But all loved, including W&S, and I agree pleasant finish with minimal tannins. — 18 days ago