Solar de Samaniego 1970

Wine: Solar de Samaniego 1970

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

Winemaking
The wine spent between 12 and 18 months in large wooden tuns to undergo malolactic fermentation and stabilize. It was then transferred to seasoned 225-liter American oak barrels for an aging period of 12 to 18 months. Three to four manual rackings were performed annually. The wine was bottled without fining and underwent a very light filtration. It rested for a minimum of 15 months in the winery’s subterranean cellars (calados) prior to its commercial release. 

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Very pale ruby with a low depth of color; no significant variation between the rim and the meniscus. Clean, with orange and reddish highlights. 

 

Nose: Soft and of low intensity. Subtle toasted notes stand out against a lightly vegetal background. It remains fleeting and elusive, never quite fully opening up.

 

Palate: Light, fresh, and approachable. While it lacks depth and length, it remains in a state of preservation that is unusual for a Crianza of this era. Easy to drink and spirited, its vibrant acidity elevates the ensemble. After several hours of aeration, creamy oak notes emerge, alongside hints of cocoa powder and macerated red fruits. An approachable, straightforward, and light red in a good state of conservation.

 

Personal Score: 87
Tasting Group Score: 89