Gran Zaco Vendimia Especial 1962 Gran Reserva

Wine: Gran Zaco Vendimia Especial 1962 Gran Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Bilbaínas (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 65% Tempranillo, 35% Garnacha
ABV: 12%

Winemaking
Grapes sourced entirely from the historic Finca Zaco. The wine spent an initial 18 months in large, seasoned wooden vats. This was followed by a minimum of 8 years of aging in 225-liter American oak barrels, with several manual rackings performed. Filtered prior to bottling and aged for 7 to 10 years in the bottle before its commercial release.

Historical Context
Labeled as Vino de Crianza by the Control Board, this special bottling holds the status of a Gran Reserva due to its extensive aging. Produced only in exceptional vintages—scarcely four times in 50 years. Originally marketed as "Vendimia Especial" (Black and Red labels). The 1962 vintage saw the addition of the "Zaco" name to denote its single-estate origin (Vino de Finca). Released in several lots from the late 1970s through the mid-1980s. Limited production of 42,527 bottles.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Brownish-ruby of medium depth; slightly darker than its stablemates (Bilbaínas Clarete Fino, Viña Pomal GR/Reserva Especial). Clean and bright with a brick-colored rim.

 

Nose: Intense and forceful from the moment of opening. Toasted notes (charcoal, smoke, hearth, cigar ash) are built upon a spectacular palette of smoke and spices that provide finesse and subtlety (black and Sichuan pepper, black mustard seeds, coriander seeds). Reminiscences of red fruit compote emerge alongside creamy and candied nuances, quince, bitter orange marmalade, and brioche-like notes (coca de San Juan).

 

Palate: Surprising in its forcefulness, solidity, and vitality, all while maintaining a medium-bodied feel and a light touch. Fresh, vibrant, and smooth, yet equally integral and solid with a tremendous structure. Filled with vigorous tannins, it represents the estate's most "Burgundian" profile. It possesses great "grip" and intense acidity, with a foundation of candied red fruit and a soft yet firm framework. As it opens, high-quality bitter sensations are accentuated: dark cocoa, black tea, and toasted carob. Broad and persistent; a wine of immense quality that marks the historical pinnacle of Bodegas Bilbaínas. Slightly less forceful and brilliant than the 1973 Gran Zaco, but within the same exceptional quality range.

 

Personal Score: 94
Tasting Group Score: 96

Gran Zaco Vendimia Especial 1962 Gran Reserva - Diario ABC.