Klein Constantia: stellar whites, sweet and dry 
Marqués de Riscal: Gehry hotel outshining solid Rioja and Rueda 
La Rioja Alta: benchmark classical Riojas especially top flight Gran Reservas 
Marqués de Murrieta: Rioja aristocracy built around Castillo Ygay 
CVNE: Combining volume and classical quality 
Contino: Château-style Rioja and Graciano pioneers 
€17.95; 12%
Disappointing, this one. For a Champagne from one of the greater vintages, it seemed a little harsh, and less complex than I expected. Medium green-gold colour, with medium bead and a moderately persistent mousse. Very creamy aroma with some biscuit notes, but surprisingly simple. Crisp palate, but a little… lean? Medium length. Drinkable, but not satisfying. Took a few weeks to getting around to writing this, just because of that!
Leave A Reply