Ramón Bilbao Monte Rojo 1970 Gran Reserva

Wine: Ramón Bilbao Monte Rojo 1970 Gran Reserva

Winery: Bodegas Ramón Bilbao (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 10% Mazuelo.
ABV: [Not specified]

Winemaking
The wine spent 12 months in large oak vats to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilize before racking. It was subsequently matured for 30 months in seasoned American oak barriques of various ages. It underwent a bottle aging period of 16 to 20 months in the winery’s underground cellars (calados) prior to its commercial release. Depending on the vintage and market timing, this same wine was sometimes labeled as Gran Reserva, Reserva, or occasionally Crianza.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Translucent brownish-ruby of medium body; brilliant and clear. It displays a distinct tawny (tile-red) rim.

 

Nose: Upon opening, it reveals prominent toasted notes and smoky nuances of hearth, charcoal, and cigar ash. It is intense, featuring a vegetal, peppery edge that "cabernetea" (reminiscent of Cabernet). As it breathes, it softens to unveil classic oxidative aging aromas: cocoa powder, liqueur-like hints, aromatic coffee, and subtle notes of saddle leather, wet staves, and fine leatherwork (marroquinería). A consistent background of black fruit, tapenade, and burnt holm oak persists.

 

Palate: Shows significant power and drive on the palate. Full-bodied and concentrated, it is supported by a firm tannic structure. There is a strong presence of toasted notes, black licorice, and spices. Unlike other bottlings that might lean too closely to the estate's Monte Seco, this 1970 maintains a distinct and forceful character.

 

Personal Score: 90
Tasting Group Score: 91

Tasting Notes (20/02/2013):

 

Appearance: Translucent brownish-ruby of medium depth; clean and brilliant with a developing orange-tinted rim.

 

Nose: Displays good aromatic intensity, initially dominated by peppery, "Cabernet-like" notes and pronounced toasted nuances. Upon aeration, the wine sheds some power in favor of elegance and smoothness, unveiling liqueur-like hints and cured leather. Its profile stands remarkably apart from the traditional Rioja Gran Reserva style. The bouquet is underpinned by a background of vinous oak staves and a distinctive, earthy mineral character.

 

Palate: Creamy and greasy on the palate with significant concentration. The peppery notes reappear alongside black licorice, dark fruit, and toasted accents. It is mature and driven by a very fine acidity, showing a much more vivid, intense, and communicative personality than expected. A wine of great varietal character and distinct individuality. Truly different!

 

Personal Score: 90
Tasting Group Score: 91