Wine: Marqués de Riscal 1968 ReservaWinery: Marqués de Riscal (Elciego, Álava)
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 75% Tempranillo, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: [Not specified]
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 75% Tempranillo, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
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 was aged for 5 to 7 years in seasoned 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.
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 was aged for 5 to 7 years in seasoned 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.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
A stunning ruby-red of medium depth; clear and bright. It displays
copper and amber highlights with a characteristic brick-orange rim.
Nose:
Deep and remarkably complex, exuding the elegance and finesse that only
Riscal could achieve during its golden years—and in this vintage, it
does so magnificently. Initially open and expressive, it unfolds a vast
palette of high-quality reductive aromas: cigar box, cedar, birch, fine
cabinetry, tung oil, Russian leather, and sweet spices. This is followed
by an earthy-mineral undertone that seamlessly binds soft balsamic
notes (green cocoa, orange marmalade, bay leaf, sage, and ivy) with
fragrant, succulent, and spiced ripe fruit. Beautiful, ethereal, and
mysterious; it shows fantastic poise and solidity without any rough
edges. Upon aeration, it continues to evolve, acquiring a beautiful
autumnal character of forest floor, humus, walnut bark, and marron glacé. A truly noble and exquisite red.
Palate:
Silky, with "melted" tannins that are supple and unctuous within a
framework of overwhelming elegance and balance. It is spherical and
seamless, yet spirited and vibrant, with acidity perfectly integrated
into a harmonious, rounded whole. The palate is filled with juicy,
candied red fruit that lingers and envelops the mouth. A wine bordering
on perfection. One hopes that a few more years in the cellar will
provide that final, definitive step.
Personal Score: 97
Tasting Group Score: 97
Tasting Group Score: 97
No comments:
Post a Comment