Martínez Lacuesta 1958 Reserva Especial

Wine: Martínez Lacuesta 1958 Reserva Especial

Winery: Bodegas Martínez Lacuesta (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano
ABV: 11.8%

Winemaking
The wine spent 18 to 24 months in large wooden tuns to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilize before being transferred to barrels. It underwent an extensive aging period of 84 to 96 months in seasoned 225-liter American oak barrels. It rested for a minimum of 3 years in the bottle prior to its commercial release. Traditionally wire-netted at the Haro facilities.

Historical Context
For years, this specific wine was bottled with a special label for the Spanish Royal Household. It served as the primary wine for official banquets and during the travels of King Juan Carlos I.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Ruby-red of medium depth; clean and bright with an orange rim.

 

Nose: Exceptional complexity and integrity. It reveals elegant notes of shaded forest floor, leaf litter, and fine leather goods over a surprisingly vibrant red fruit foundation—almost citrusy in its freshness (plums, black cherries, sloes). It gains power with aeration, unveiling soft creamy undertones and smoked spices.

 

Palate: Even more elegant on the palate than on the nose. Seamless, structured, and the epitome of balance. Savory, with shimmering tannins and a pronounced acidity. It bears the hallmark of Martínez Lacuesta’s greatest vintages, rivaling the legendary 1964 or 1970.

 

Personal Score: 92
Tasting Group Score: 92

 

Tasting Notes (2013-03-29)

 

Appearance: Ruby-red of medium body; luminous and brilliant. Fully brick-colored with reddish highlights.

 

Nose: High intensity, open, and replete with detail. Elegant. Tertiary aromas initially dominate: leather, birch, and black truffle. It evolves toward red fruit in its prime, with citrus hints (peaches, nectarine) and a torrent of smoked spices. It becomes increasingly refined and complex with aeration.

 

Palate: It showcases the virtues of the splendid '58 vintage, providing that spark of vivacity and a vibrant acidity that envelops the entire experience. A wide-awake, lively, and "capital" (mayúsculo) wine; full-bodied, with immense structure and depth, yet never sacrificing finesse. It features an abundance of tannins—firm yet silky—with hints of vanilla, toast, and soft creamy undertones. Beautiful, possessing great elegance and class. A style of Rioja that, unfortunately, is no longer the norm.

 

Personal Score: 93
Tasting Group Score: 92