Martínez Lacuesta 1962 Reserva Especial

Wine: Martínez Lacuesta 1962 Reserva Especial

Winery: Bodegas Martínez Lacuesta (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano
ABV: 11.8%
Winemaking

 The wine spent 18 to 24 months in large oak vats to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilize before being racked into barrels. It then underwent an extensive aging period of 84 to 96 months in seasoned 225-liter American oak barrels, with two manual rackings (trasiegas) per year. A minimum of 36 months of bottle aging in the winery’s underground cellars was completed prior to release.
Additional Information

For years, the Martínez Lacuesta Reserva Especial was bottled with a special label for the Spanish Royal Household. It served as the primary wine for official state banquets and during the travels of King Juan Carlos I.

 

Tasting Notes
 

Appearance: Very pale reddish-ruby with medium-low depth; pristine with pomegranate and amber highlights. The rim is broad and fully tawny (tile-red), merging indistinguishably with the meniscus.

 

Nose: Good intensity—brimming with fragrant notes of concentrated red fruit and macerated cherries, alongside a fine hint of caramelized sugar, burnt coffee, and a complex balsamic "Marmite" nuance in the background. Concentrated and steadily gaining power, it reveals registers of shaded forest floor, walnut bark, leaf litter, and a subtle, refreshing citrus edge. It stands apart from other Reserva Especial vintages tasted to date, showcasing an excellent expression of its final aging that brings smoky and creamy nuances. Remarkably sound.

 

Palate: Smoother on the palate than expected. Fluid, fresh, and lively; an elegant wine with a very good stride—not excessively broad, but showing great finesse. It features caressing, polished tannins that contrast beautifully with a striking acidity. Very different in style from the 1958 and 1964 R.E., but certainly not inferior in quality. A thoroughly impressive wine.

 

Personal Score: 93
Tasting Group Score: 93