Glorioso Cosecha Especial 1968 Gran Reserva

Wine: Glorioso Cosecha Especial 1968 Gran Reserva

Winery: Bodegas Palacio (Laguardia, Álava)
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 90% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha
ABV: [Not specified]

Winemaking
Grapes sourced from small-scale growers in Rioja Alavesa within a 15-kilometer radius of the winery. The wine spent one year in large wooden tuns to complete fermentation and settle before being transferred for wood aging. It matured for 24 to 36 months in seasoned 225-liter American oak barrels. Prior to its commercial release, it was aged for a minimum of 3 years in the bottle within the historic subterranean cellars (calados) of the foundational winery in Laguardia.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Very pale brownish-ruby of medium-low depth, stylistically reminiscent of classic Riojan claretes. Clear and exceptionally bright, with luminous highlights of orange, amber, and gold.

 

Nose: Medium intensity, initially dominated by an extremely closed character and profound reduction. It is difficult to perceive anything beyond this heavy reductive profile, which offers initial notes of acetone and aldehydes, incense, attic-like nuances, and sandalwood, set against an exotic spiced backdrop of bay leaf, turmeric, black cardamom, and clove. It requires decanting to evolve. While it softens, it does not fully "clean up"; however, classic aging notes emerge: old leather, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, creamy toast, and a slight liqueur-like edge. A generous red that eventually opens up to reveal a significant core of ripe red fruit (cherries, strawberries, and arbutus berries) with balsamic touches of mint, withered flowers, and persistent exotic spices. Intriguing and ever-changing.

 

Palate: A complete departure from the reductive and seemingly fatigued nose. Compact, structured, and remarkably serious. The entry is lively and balanced; medium-bodied, savory, fresh, and light, without any heaviness or distracting reductive notes. More elegant than complex. It features silky tannins, toasted nuances, and very pleasant bitters that meld with spices and licorice. A red of classical craftsmanship with a distinct personality that sets it apart from other wines of the estate.

 

Personal Score: 92
Tasting Group Score: 94

Imagen de los edificios originarios de Bodegas Palacio al pie de Laguardia, en la carretera a Elciego.