Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend

For a nearly 40 yro Rioja so fresh & vibrant. High pitch notes of mixed red fruit and vanilla on palate. Still snap of acidity to close out finish. Interesting to compare to the younger Lopez Tondonia from night before-not as deep? Drank by the river Jan Kill at the end of a good hike.

The strength here is its freshness-tasted this vintage out of a magnum, at a spanish wine tasting, & was very similar. Has the tension but not depth or idiosyncrasies of rioja alta or lopez with this age, I think.

#lotstolike soy initially when opened turned into a beautifully perfumed #rioja with great #structure enjoyed @ #stalbancafe on king street #chs

The '81 Beronia is a classic expression of aged Rioja--a treat up there with the great wine experiences such as aged Bordeaux and Burgundy. The lavish American oak, Tempranillo's best friend, has balanced out the wine over the last thirty some years and it now shows crisp, tart cherries; Florentine leather; and unpicked wild sage.

Andrew had this 12 years ago

Justin had this 12 years ago

Erich had this 13 years ago

j had this 11 years ago

Ronan had this 11 years ago

Izzy had this 13 years ago