Garnacha
922. Lopez de Heredia-Viña Tondonia, Viña Tondonia Rioja Gran Reserva, 1994
The current release of the Gran Reserva, and it showed the top quality both of the 1994 vintage, and Tondonia. As José-Luis advised, this …
856. CVNE, Imperial Rioja, 1973
Found in 28-50, and… well… what the hell! Always a gamble, but this 41 year old bottle, though fully mature, had not hollowed out, …
810. CVNE, Viña Real Rioja Gran Reserva, 2004
The exemplar Gran Reserva, and just that: a ripe, deep vintage giving black fruit character, with a careful coating of American oak primarily. Fine …
763. Bodegas Riojanas, Viña Albina Reserva, 1975
Saw this in The Sampler and thought why not? In the end, this is past its best – hollowing out and leaving some brisk …
749. Lopez de Heredia-Viña Tondonia, Viña Tondonia Rioja Reserva, 2001
Fascinating way to start MW study group studies, blind. A much more satisfying old-school Rioja than the 1991 Bosconia. Pale garnet, with a tawny …
747. Bodegas Domecq de Jarauta, Viña Marro Rioja Reserva, 2007
A second vintage of this, from a similar source. And again, a good example of a £10-15, modern-style, attractive Reserva Rioja. A touch jammy, …
713. CVNE, Viña Real Rioja Gran Reserva, 1973
Bought for Andy’s 40th in April. Starting to fade, but once great. Still nice though. Pale garnet with a broad, brick / caramel rim. …
679. Bodegas Domecq de Jarauta, Viña Marro Rioja Reserva, 2005
As a conference presentation thank you gift, not too bad. But ultimately a mid-range, modern-style Rioja, that was pleasant enough, but not radically inspiring. …
663. Sao del Coster, Terram Priorat, 2006
One from the Princess Wine Club 1st delivery, and a good one too. Deep ruby-black, with a narrow, semi-purple rim. On the nose, intense, …
658. Bodegas Guelbenzu, Lautus Ribera del Queiles VdlT, 2004
A somewhat random purchase from Wimbledon Wine Cellars, after my last guitar lesson. I thought I’d see what New Spain has to offer. Overall …