Dinastia Vivanco Rioja Reserva 2011
Bright ruby. Aromas of cherry, redcurrant and vanilla, with a spicy nuance that builds in the glass. Supple and seamless on the palate, offering sweet red fruit flavors that deepen and pick up a smoky quality on the back half. Clings with very good tenacity on the subtly tannic finish, with the spice and vanilla notes echoing. This wine was aged in a combination of new and used American and French oak barrels. That elegance is enhanced from its origin, Rioja Alta, and its relatively sparse vine density of mere 3,100-3,600 vines/hectare, the marl soil structure, and it’s 500+ meters elevation above ground(hence, cooler rearing). That power is attributable to the nurture from the mixed Bush & wire system, as well as from the old vines of 35+ years of age which are hand-harvested in October following careful analysis in the vineyard to ensure phenolic ripeness. Each vineyard was fermented separately in small French oak vats. 24 months in 50% new and 50% previously-used French, followed by 4 months in large French oak vats for better integration. Traditionally made, it is cellared classically for 24 months in bottle. The wine feels contemporary and modern because there is a clean yet integrated palate: the grapes were stored in cooling chambers for a minimum of 30 hours. ABV is merely 13.5%.
Juan Gris' Still Life graces the label. Many of Gris’ paintings are linked towine, but this particular piece is on display at the Vivanco Museum. The complexity and elegance of this work remind of the winery’s Reserva.
This humble wine is a JS89. some 5 years' bottle-ageing makes this wine almost perfect to taste now,.
