Marqués de Riscal 1989 Reserva

Wine: Marqués de Riscal 1989 Reserva

Winery: Marqués de Riscal (Elciego, Álava)
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and Mazuelo
ABV: 12.5%

Winemaking
Fermentation was conducted in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. The wine underwent 25 months of aging in new 225-liter American oak barrels. It was aged for a minimum of 18 months in the bottle prior to its commercial release.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Ruby-garnet of medium-high depth, more intense than expected. Slightly cloudy with small suspended particles; orange highlights and a very broad, brick-colored rim.

 

Nose: Initially problematic upon opening, showing signs of negative reduction, iodine, and lacquer notes. The cork was broken and completely saturated, with a chocolate-like discoloration. After one hour of decanting—false alarm. The wine reveals good intensity with spicy and smoky aromas, backed by a fine balsamic undertone of garden herbs, nettle, and mint. Soft and classic, with hints of vanilla, red fruit, chocolate liqueur, and wet earth. It gains intensity and presence, showing itself as a modern, well-resolved Riscal, though it lacks a certain degree of complexity.

 

Palate: Highly approachable and easy to drink. Plenty of red fruit preserves, fresh and smooth, with vibrant acidity and polished, shimmering, exceptionally refined tannins. Savory and spiced, featuring high-quality bitters and present yet non-intrusive oak. This is an enjoyable red, shifting away from Riscal’s traditional style and its habitual "punch." Pleasant and with considerable life ahead; it may be worth cellaring for a few more years to see its final evolution.

 

Personal Score: 87
Tasting Group Score: 87

Antigua tonelería de la bodega Marqués de Riscal.