Cofradía del Solar de Samaniego 1980 Gran Reserva

Wine: Cofradía del Solar de Samaniego 1980 Gran Reserva

Winery: Bodegas Alavesas (Laguardia, Álava)
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 100% Tempranillo.
ABV: 12.5%

Winemaking
Grapes sourced predominantly (75%) from estate vineyards, with the remainder selected from small growers in Rioja Alavesa. A portion of the fruit was destemmed and deseeded, followed by a partial carbonic maceration for 12 to 15 days. The wine was kept in large oak vats for 30 to 36 months to undergo malolactic fermentation and stabilization. It was then aged for 24 months in seasoned 225-liter American oak barrels (average age of 12 years), with 3 to 4 manual rackings per year. Unfined and lightly filtered before bottling. Aged for a minimum of 48 months in the bottle cellar prior to release. This was a special edition for the Club de Cosecheros Solar de Samaniego, released for Christmas 1990.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Luminous reddish-ruby of medium depth. It remains clean and brilliant, showing garnet and reddish glints with a broad orange-tinted rim that merges with the meniscus.

 

Nose: Displays medium intensity, showing a poised and steady evolution in the glass. It initially offers a classic Rioja oxidative aging profile: ripe red fruit, liqueur-like nuances, saddle leather, and vinous wood, with a touch of faisandage. Solid and compact, it unveils balsamic notes of ivy and laurel alongside creamy oak, dairy hints, and vanilla. A persistent background of exotic spices—turmeric, clove, and star anise—gains prominence with aeration.

 

Palate: Broad, creamy, and supple, featuring fully melted tannins integrated into a core of concentrated, reduced red fruit. Savory and supported by a well-judged acidity that enhances its drinkability. For a middle-tier vintage like 1980, Solar de Samaniego succeeded in producing a quintessential traditional Gran Reserva, standing far above the winery’s standard offerings.

 

Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Score: 92