Popped and poured; enjoyed over three days; consistent throughout with very little evolution. The cork basically disintegrated when trying to open. The 2009 Gran Reserva pours a deep garnet color with an opaque core, moving gradually towards a rust colored rim. Medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and desiccated red fruits: Bing cherry, mulberries, spiced plum, cumin, dill, Balsamico, chocolate chip banana bread, toasted coconut, leather, cigar box, dry earth and exotic spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and savory and super delicious. What a drop dead gorgeous Gran Reserva from Hermanos Pecina. This drinks well from the pop and pour opens up considerably with air so decanting 30min before would be advisable. Enjoy through 2039+. The cork was doing its job as it was only partially saturated, it just came apart in little pieces. I have several remaining bottles and I’ll plan on using an Ah-So or Durand with the next bottle. A stunning, ultra-traditional Rioja Tinto. — 5 months ago
Deep Ruby with an elegant bouquet of ripe berry fruits, pepper spice with earthy tones, 100% Tempranillo, aged for 24 months in American and French oak. On the palate flavors of plum and cherry with tobacco, oak, pepper spice, lively acidity. Fine chewy tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, oak, spice and an earthy character. Nice! — 8 months ago
100% Tempranillo from young vines, aged 6 months in French oak and 6 months in American oak, deep Ruby color with aromas of fruit, spices and sweet floral notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry and cherry with cacao and black pepper. Firm approachable tannins, medium finish ending with fruit, spice and floral mineral character. Drink now! — 23 days ago
Very sharp spicy notes to begin but mellowed — 4 months ago
Delicious young Ribera Del Duero. Tobacco, dark cherry, leather. One of my favorite RDD producers. — 7 months ago
Brillante, rojo y muy afrutado con toques de avellana y de roble — 10 months ago
Popped and poured; enjoyed over an extended, 10 hour period. The 2009 Reserva pours a deep garnet with a nearly impenetrable, translucent core. I say nearly because some light is just barely able to find its way through. The rim shows a slightly more orange color. Viscosity is medium+ with moderate staining. On the nose, the wine is developing and initially was a bit reminiscent of a damp horse stable. With time, it relaxes to show a heady, balanced mix of ripe and desiccated red and black fruits: both morello and black cherry with leather, anise, dill, cumin, cigar box, toasted coconut, cocoa, and vanilla. On the palate, the wine is dry. Tannin and acid are both medium+. There is noticeable density. Confirming the notes from the nose however I would say the fruit is showing a bit more freshness than the nose; slightly more tart and ripe than ripe and desiccated. The finish is long and sapid.
This is an outstanding Reserva with remarkable class. This is drinking so well right now, even on the pop and pour but I would suggest decanting a couple of hours if you want to get past the more feral stage. Expect a long, long life; 2039+ — 4 months ago
Big, well-rounded and balanced Tempranillo. Reveler. — 6 months ago
Sipping Fine Wine
Named after family’s original parcel, “Locartas” is a highly expressive ambassador for the Güímar valley’s distinctive volcanic sands. The blend comprises eight individual parcels throughout the valley, planted nearly entirely to Listán Blanco (with 2-3% Albillo Criollo). Vinified in stainless steel and aged for six months in 90% steel and 10% French oak. Medium lemon color, aromas of fruits and nutty notes. Flavors of ripe apple and apricot, medium+ finish ending with fruit and savory salinity character. — 8 days ago