2014 Hazana Vinas Viejas Rioja.
We tasted five(5) Riojas (Senorio de San Vicente Rioja 2012, Imperial Cune Rioja 2014, Beronia Rioja 2014, Marques de Riscal Rioja 2014, Hazana Vinas Viejas Rioja 2014.) in a roll last week, and, while all are different, we believe the best value goes to 2014 Hazana Vinas Viejas Rioja. Compared to Watsons Wine's Senorio de San Vincente Rioja 2012 also RP92, this is just neck to neck similar).
With violet colours , 2014 Hazana Vinas Viejas Rioja is very, very bright and shiny. Highly aromatic scents of black and blue fruits, Indian spices and fresh flowers; dusty though. Tones of candied licorice, with intense dark berry and floral pastille flavors that become spicier with aeration. Some rusticity and tannins, damp soil give shape to the clinging finish(10+ second of fruit).
Minimally oaked, so this drinks easier than 3 other Riojas. There is always some modernity to this wine.
RP is high:
92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2014 Hazana Vinas Viejas is simply one of the greatest values in Rioja that money can buy. A blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano, this collaboration between importer Eric Solomon and the owner and winemaker has produced an absolutely amazing Rioja from 45- to 70-year-old unirrigated, head-pruned vines. Loads of lead pencil shavings, black and red currants, licorice and tobacco leaf all jump from the glass of this dense, ruby/purple wine. Soft tannins, medium to full body and fabulous intensity, make for a sensational Rioja to drink over the next 5-7 years. (RP) (7/2105)
