Urbina
Gran Reserva Especial Rioja Tempranillo
La Rioja Alta, La Rioja, Spain
Hmmm... Definitely past peak. Massive barnyard nose that subsided only a little after an hour in the decanter. All fruit is gone, unless you count prunes and raisins. Yet, it's unique to experience the tertiary notes of cola, old leather, soil, and Porto. It's drinkable. I will try my best to optimize the pairing over the next few bottles.
90 points
Hmmm... Definitely past peak. Massive barnyard nose that subsided only a little after an hour in the decanter. All fruit is gone, unless you count prunes and raisins. Yet, it's unique to experience the tertiary notes of cola, old leather, soil, and Porto. It's drinkable. I will try my best to optimize the pairing over the next few bottles.
90 points
natural, comfortable wine. Like staying at Granny's house and she's serving you her jam platter.
natural, comfortable wine. Like staying at Granny's house and she's serving you her jam platter.
Oct 7th, 2021
A lot of wood, vanilla and leather on the nose, with notes of black cherry preserves and musty book binding interspersed within. Color reflects only hints of the age with mostly cherry red depth with hints of orange to the edges of the medium to full body. Palate is leaner than you’d expect, right a lot of acid and energy still cooled after a 3hr decant. The cherry fruit seems to come forth first, with some slate like chalky minerality pushed forth between still-slightly grippy tannin. The flavor pushes further into leather, cedar wood, VERY dark butter chocolate, pickled root vegetables and a tingling, slightly tarry like flavor that persists to the end. Incredible value and man does it deliver, ESPECIALLY with food.
A lot of wood, vanilla and leather on the nose, with notes of black cherry preserves and musty book binding interspersed within. Color reflects only hints of the age with mostly cherry red depth with hints of orange to the edges of the medium to full body. Palate is leaner than you’d expect, right a lot of acid and energy still cooled after a 3hr decant. The cherry fruit seems to come forth first, with some slate like chalky minerality pushed forth between still-slightly grippy tannin. The flavor pushes further into leather, cedar wood, VERY dark butter chocolate, pickled root vegetables and a tingling, slightly tarry like flavor that persists to the end. Incredible value and man does it deliver, ESPECIALLY with food.
Sep 19th, 2026
Barnyard funk, tobacco, leather, and cherry pie on the nose. The palate displays dark cherry, cranberry, raspberry jam, leather, tobacco, cola, cedar, and coconut. Medium body, medium plus acid, medium plus tannins, and medium plus alcohol. Medium plus finish with enough tertiary stuff going on that I think this 2004 vintage should be drunk now.
Barnyard funk, tobacco, leather, and cherry pie on the nose. The palate displays dark cherry, cranberry, raspberry jam, leather, tobacco, cola, cedar, and coconut. Medium body, medium plus acid, medium plus tannins, and medium plus alcohol. Medium plus finish with enough tertiary stuff going on that I think this 2004 vintage should be drunk now.
Jun 29th, 2024Oaky, Smoky, smooth, pairs well with truffle cheese, smoked meats, and dark chocolate.
Oaky, Smoky, smooth, pairs well with truffle cheese, smoked meats, and dark chocolate.
Dec 24th, 2023
Medium ruby-garnet in color.
Aromas of barnyard, forest floor, leather
Dry. Flavors of red fruit, tomato leaf, leather, barnyard, dried cherry. Rich, firm tannins.
Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 5/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 5/5
Medium ruby-garnet in color.
Aromas of barnyard, forest floor, leather
Dry. Flavors of red fruit, tomato leaf, leather, barnyard, dried cherry. Rich, firm tannins.
Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 5/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 5/5
