La Rioja Alta Club de Cosecheros 1980

Wine: La Rioja Alta Club de Cosecheros 1980
Winery: La Rioja Alta S.A. (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 15% Graciano, 5% Viura
ABV: [Not specified]
Winemaking

Primary fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, followed by racking to settle for 12 months in old 18,000-liter oak vats. The wine was then transferred to seasoned 225-liter American oak barrels for an aging period of 24 to 36 months, undergoing a total of 5 manual rackings (trasiegas). A minimum of 24 months of bottle aging was completed prior to release. 

 

Tasting Notes
 

Appearance: Medium-high depth (capa) brownish-ruby; slightly turbid with suspended particles (suggesting no filtration) and a significant amount of sediment at the base of the bottle. Deeply-hued, matte, and lacking brightness. It features a broad copper and orange rim, without a great sense of density. 

 

Nose: While its visual appearance suggested potential storage issues, the first impression on the nose proves otherwise. The entire profile recalls the Viña Ardanza from the same vintage, albeit with slightly less intensity. It opens with notes of seasoned wood over a balsamic, vegetal background. It defines itself sluggishly with aeration. This is a wine of a clearly settled, mature character, showing creamy notes, coffee beans, withered flowers, tobacco leaf, and a spicy hint of ground peppers. It does not seem to develop further. 

 

Palate: Medium-bodied and light on the palate, offering a fair amount of fresh, high-toned (acídulo) fruit supported by sufficient acidity. It lacks drive, intensity, and definition, yet shows no signs of excessive reduction. There are timid earthy notes and a curious hint of unintegrated old wood, which is unusual for the wines of La Rioja Alta. A red of an understated nature; easy to drink but far from the winery's mid-range standards. 

 

Personal Score: 86
Tasting Group Score: 86