Rioja Bordón 1970 Cosecha Especial

Wine: Rioja Bordón 1970 Cosecha Especial

Winery: Bodegas Franco-Españolas (Logroño, La Rioja)
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 50% Tempranillo, 40% Garnacha, 10% Mazuelo.
ABV: [Not specified]
Winemaking

The wine spent 12 months in large vats to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilize before racking. It was kemudian matured for 24 to 36 months (depending on the vintage) in seasoned 225-liter American oak barrels. A minimum of 24 months of bottle aging was completed in the winery’s underground cellars prior to its commercial release.

 

Tasting Notes
 

Appearance: A brilliant, translucent reddish-ruby of medium-low depth. It displays vivid reddish and orange highlights—pristine and luminous. The broad, tawny (tile-red) rim merges almost indistinguishably with the meniscus.

 

Nose: Somewhat reserved upon uncorking, the wine requires aeration to gradually unveil a sophisticated mineral and iron-like profile, with blood-infused undertones and hints of cherries in brandy. Subtle toasted accents of cocoa powder and cola candy emerge as it breathes. It continuously gains momentum, evolving in intensity and detail until reaching a truly brilliant aromatic peak.

 

Palate: Concentrated and supported by high-quality bitter nuances. The tannins are ultra-fine and silky. Savory and driven by a well-judged acidity, the wine gains significant definition with exposure to air. It appears more focused and fully integrated compared to tastings from a few years ago. Furthermore, it possesses the structural integrity to continue evolving for many years to come.

 

Personal Score: 95
Tasting Group Score: [Not specified]

Tasting Notes

 
Appearance: A translucent brownish-ruby of medium-low depth (capa). It displays bright reddish and orange highlights—pristine and luminous. The broad, tawny (tile-red) rim shows almost no distinction from the meniscus.

 

Nose: The nose presents a solid aromatic core, highlighted by earthy accents and hints of cola candy, ripe stone fruit (custard apple), and a delicate backdrop of cocoa butter. As it unfurls, nuances of pastry, orange zest biscuits, and cherries in brandy emerge, alongside cocoa powder. Refined and perfumed, it gains momentum with an increasingly marked presence of noble woods, withered flowers, and spices.

 

Palate: While the entry suggests a lighter style, the palate quickly proves otherwise. It is driven by a piercing acidity and freshness, with very pronounced bitter and citrus-edged nuances. Lively, concentrated, and savory, it possesses remarkable energy. This is an exceptional Bordón that continues to surprise in every tasting. It embodies the signature house style—weightless elegance, roundness, and balance—yet with a distinct qualitative edge. Regrettably, these historic bottlings from the pre-Rumasa era bear no resemblance to the current Rioja Bordón lineup from Franco-Españolas.

 

Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Score: 90

 

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