Monte Real 1961 Reserva

Wine: Monte Real 1961 Reserva

Winery: Bodegas Riojanas (Logroño, La Rioja)
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 75% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo, 5% Garnacha, 2% Graciano, 3% others (Viura, Malvasía Riojana)
ABV: [Not specified]

Winemaking
Initial fermentation and aging for 12 months in old 20,000-liter wooden vats. Subsequently, the wine rested for 24 to 30 months in 225-liter American oak barrels. It was aged for a minimum of 24 months in the bottle prior to its commercial release. 

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Brownish-ruby of medium-low depth; very clear although slightly cloudy, with orange highlights and a very broad, brick-colored rim. 

 

Nose: Soft and notably reduced by time. Notes of leather, humus, seasoned staves, and toasted nuances (charcoal) abound, supported by a strong vanilla undertone. While lacking excessive complexity, it remains clean and free of any off-odors. 

 

Palate: Compact and showing good integrity. There is more concentration than expected and sufficient acidity to support toasted and vegetal notes (sage, elegant bitters, licorice) alongside a myriad of spices. It possesses a very interesting, slightly piquant and tart nuance. Highly pleasurable to drink. A consistent Monte Real that nevertheless shows signs of being somewhat fatigued. It appears to be past its prime but continues to exhibit the best characteristics of the estate. It does not require further cellaring; best enjoyed now.

 

Personal Score: 90
Tasting Group Score: 87