Viña Valoria 1973 Gran Reserva

Wine: Viña Valoria 1973 Gran Reserva
Winery: Bodega Valoria (Logroño, La Rioja)
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo, 10% Graciano
ABV: 12.5%
Winemaking

Initially aged for 12 months in large oak vats to complete malolactic fermentation and settle before racking. It was matured for 48 to 55 months in seasoned American oak barrels with an average age of over 10 years. Limited production of 29,630 bottles (75 cl). A minimum of 3 years of bottle aging was completed. This special edition was released to the market in 2011. 

 

Tasting Notes
 

Appearance: Beautiful reddish-ruby of medium depth (capa); clear and pristine. It shows luminous copper and orange highlights with a broad, tawny (tile-red) rim.

 

Nose: Defined and high in intensity; open and very expressive. It offers a profound expression of Riojan classicism. The forefront reveals a layer of fine woods, cedar, fine leather goods, Russian leather, cigar humidor, and tung oil, supported by a subtle animalistic background of wet fur and game. It is powerful yet elegant, with an increasing presence of ripe and candied red fruits, bitter orange marmalade, and vanilla. Harmonious and orderly, it gains further complexity with notes of leaf litter and shaded forest floor. 

 

Palate: Fresh and savory on the palate with a medium body. It delivers sensations of candied red and black fruit, spices, sage, and high-quality bitter nuances. Expansive, deep, and complex, it remains remarkably lively, driven by a striking acidity that makes it appear younger than its true age. It possesses everything needed to continue aging gracefully. Immensely pleasurable to drink. An excellent wine from Valoria—one of the founding wineries of Rioja that has remained relatively overlooked until recently. Based on this experience, we can only speak highly of them. Both this '73 and its '68 elder brother are impeccably crafted, orderly, and extraordinarily classic wines with superb longevity. We hope the winery decides to rescue more of these treasures from their underground cellars. 

 

Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Score: 92