Solar de Samaniego 1968 Reserva

Wine: Solar de Samaniego 1968 Reserva

Winery: Bodegas Alavesas (Laguardia, Álava)
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 100% Tempranillo
ABV: [Not specified]

Winemaking
The wine spent 30 months in large wooden tuns to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilize. It was then transferred to seasoned 225-liter American oak barrels for an aging period of 18 to 24 months. Three to four manual rackings were performed annually. The wine was bottled without fining and underwent a very light filtration. It was aged for a minimum of 36 months in the bottle prior to its commercial release.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Brownish-ruby of medium-low depth; clean and bright. It displays orange and reddish highlights with a broad, fully brick-colored rim.

 

Nose: Soft and of low intensity, heavily marked by its time in oak: vanilla, old wood, wine-soaked staves, and toasted notes (charcoal, hearth), with a hint of dried flowers and creamy undertones. Over time, subtle notes of red fruit in liqueur and sour cherry emerge, alongside leather, spices, and an earthy backdrop. While showing no signs of spoilage, the wine is burdened by the passage of time and appears slightly fatigued. It struggles to fully awaken, flickering with flashes of character but never quite becoming fully expressive. 

 

Palate: Mature, with a very slight lack of acidity that detracts from the overall balance. Poised, creamy, and highly polished; it is rounded, showing fruit preserves (English marmalade, pomegranate) alongside elegant bitters and sweet citrus. There is a significant presence of oak, reflecting a specific Riojan style that eventually fell out of favor. Technically correct and very easy to drink, though it lacks greater depth. This Solar de Samaniego would have benefited significantly from the inclusion of some Garnacha in the blend to enhance its evolution in the bottle.

 

Personal Score: 86
Tasting Group Score: 89