Winery: Marqués de Riscal (Elciego, Álava)
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 75% Tempranillo, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Viura and other white varietals
ABV: [Not specified]
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 75% Tempranillo, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Viura and other white varietals
ABV: [Not specified]
Winemaking
The blend includes a negligible percentage of white varietals (primarily Viura), as it was customary at the time to plant a few white vines at the head of the rows for family consumption, which were ultimately harvested and processed alongside the red grapes. The wine spent approximately 12 months in tanks before undergoing 48 months of aging in 225-liter American oak barrels. Regular rackings were performed every three months during the first three years to avoid the need for filtration prior to bottling. Clarified through traditional methods using fresh egg whites and bottled by hand directly from the cask. It rested for a minimum of 5 years in the bottle prior to its commercial release. Bottles are recorked every 15 years.
The blend includes a negligible percentage of white varietals (primarily Viura), as it was customary at the time to plant a few white vines at the head of the rows for family consumption, which were ultimately harvested and processed alongside the red grapes. The wine spent approximately 12 months in tanks before undergoing 48 months of aging in 225-liter American oak barrels. Regular rackings were performed every three months during the first three years to avoid the need for filtration prior to bottling. Clarified through traditional methods using fresh egg whites and bottled by hand directly from the cask. It rested for a minimum of 5 years in the bottle prior to its commercial release. Bottles are recorked every 15 years.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Ruby of medium-high depth; remarkably stable and slightly more intense
than other vintages from the 1960s. It displays reddish and orange
highlights with a broad, brick-colored rim and is notably bright.
Nose:
Deeply spiced (smoke, assorted peppercorns) and of immense finesse,
though it requires aeration to gain full power. There is a notable
presence of seasoned wood, elegant toasted notes, sandalwood, and
balsamic hints (resin, fresh mint). It expands with aeration, revealing
ripe fruit—almost strawberry-like—highly reduced, over a backdrop of
withered flowers and medicinal sour cherry in liqueur, followed by
chocolate bonbons and hard candy.
Palate: More elegant than concentrated, featuring a truly beautiful entry. Medium-bodied, velvety, and spirited with exceptionally fine tannins "sculpted into the rock" of that
characteristic freshness and intense acidity found in Riscal’s finest
vintages. Harmonious, full-bodied, and savory, it offers a very long
finish with notes of bell pepper and creamy oak. It continues to grow as
it sit, gaining in both austerity and depth. With significant life
ahead; spectacular in every sense. A great wine that still feels not
entirely tamed.
Personal Score: 93
Tasting Group Score: 96
Tasting Group Score: 96
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