René Barbier 1964 Gran Reserva - Primer Centenario: 1880 - 1980

Wine: René Barbier 1964 Gran Reserva – Primer Centenario: 1880 - 1980
Winery: Bodegas René Barbier
Appellation: D.O. Penedès
Varietals: 60% Tempranillo, 15% Carignan (Cariñena), 15% Grenache (Garnacha), 10% Monastrell and others
ABV: 12.5%

Winemaking
Fermentation was carried out in concrete vats and large seasoned wood tuns until the completion of malolactic fermentation. The wine was سپس transferred to neutral 225-liter American oak barrels for an oxidative aging period of 36 to 48 months, depending on the vintage. Bottled directly from the cask with gentle filtration. Unfined.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Medium-high cherry-red depth with a pale garnet rim. It is surprisingly youthful for a wine with nearly 50 years of age. Dense and dark, showing no significant variation between the meniscus and the rim, with reddish highlights and very thick legs.

 

Nose: Somewhat muted in its aromatic profile, lacking significant presence, though notably free of any off-odors or excessive reduction. Strong oak influence is evident through toasted and creamy notes, subtle dairy undertones, sweet spices, and a trace of macerated black plums. The wine struggles to fully take flight, suggesting it is nearing its fatigue point with limited life ahead. With aeration, it opens slightly to reveal its Mediterranean character—aromatic herbs, mountain tea, dried oregano, and fenugreek—alongside sun-drenched, almost raisined fruit.

 

Palate: The wine is approaching its limit: jammy, liqueur-like, and heavily spiced (dominated by clove). It is very ripe and highly extracted, wrapped in a perfectly tailored oak profile. It lacks a bit of vigor and "edge"; while the tannins remain somewhat coarse, the overall ensemble remains drinkable and pleasant.

 

Personal Score: 85
Tasting Group Score: 87