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 
€16.50; 12%
A product of my July 2006 trip to Champagne with Mum – some of the best weather I’ve experienced (32-34°C, dry & clear skies). Drank this soon after drinking some Louis Roederer NV Champagne, and I’m pleased to say that I definitely prefer this. Mid-gold colour with a moderately-fine, light bead and mousse. Bead got finer over a couple of days, pressure-sealed. Fairly intense biscuit and yeast nose, with hints of cassis or cassis leaf on. Cream notes and even (?) some beefy notes in the background! Fruity, lemon and white-fruit-palate with crisp acidity, but balanced by the dosage. Could have a more elegant, finer bead, but quite full and fairly rich. Good, orangey, toasty length on the finish.
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