2003 Benjamin Romeo "La Vina de Andres Romeo" Rioja
Dark ruby core, with a tight rim. The nose gives pure red and black cherry which achieve a crescendo of freshness and vitality. The palate is of pure dark fruit(very modern feel) with savoury elements, all punctuated by minerals and herbs. The 2003 Benjamin Romeo La Vina de Andrea is a 'Parker' wine in the proper sense and does have a great sense of place. It is ready to drink now.
The vineyard produces just 5500 bottles for each year from 1kg of grapes per vine!
We believe this wine represents some of the best efforts in a modern rendition of Rioja, which is in high contrast to the traditional approach to Rioja by La Rioja Alta. Both wines interestingly give a great sense of place and are very very tasty.
Although this is not the top wine from Benjamin Romeo, La Vina de Andres de Benjamin is not a little second wine. It challenges the top Cuvee Contador in style and is as good as the greats like Antardi, Fina Allende, San Vicent, to quote a few.
Importer and restaurant operators seem to mark up a lot of this wine.
Scores are impressive.
95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate A real blockbuster, the 2003 La Vina de Andres Romeo (100% Tempranillo) is exquisite, but, again, a mere 200 bottles will make it to America. Lucky readers who run across a bottle, and have the financial resources to purchase it, are in for a decadent treat. (RP) (8/2006)
94 points Vinous Deep violet. Bright, pungent scents of cherry, floral oils, exotic oak spices, incense and minerals. Fresh and crisp, with no excess fat, just vibrant, pure, explosively sweet dark berry flavors. Seemingly weightless on the finish, where the blackberry, boysenberry and blueberry flavors display uncanny lift and persistence. Tangy mineral nuances contribute even more vivacity. (JR) (9/2006)
