2011 Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva
Lots of red and dark summer fruit made to withstand the lengthy maturation process in oak (fermentation, 2 years in American oak) due to the fine, complex tannin and acid structure. The resulting wine is classically savoury (cherry liqueur, tangerine, coffee, toasty oak). Fruit palate is reasonably long (fruit length over 8 seconds) and rounded with interesting hint of spice (dill in particular). A classic Rioja Reserva used by one of commentators here who has teaching WSET classes 5 years ago (for 10 years). Full bodied and muscular, yet smoothly polished and embellished with complex aromas of vanilla and toasted oak, combined with summer fruit flavours.
We did not decant this wine during the tasting; it drinks very nice over time. There is always some lovely softness to it.
The Reserva Tempranillo blend is sourced from outstanding vineyard sites that are in excess of 15 years of age. This wine goes well with ham, cheeses, and spicy casseroles.
Score is consistently. JS92, Decanter 90, Tim Atkins 92.
