Beronia 1982 Gran Reserva

Wine: Beronia 1982 Gran Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Beronia (Ollauri, La Rioja)
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano, Viura
ABV: 12.5%
Winemaking: Sourced from clay-limestone vineyards in the surroundings of Ollauri. The wine underwent an extensive aging process of 54 months in 225-liter American oak barrels. It was bottled in March 1990 and remained in the winery's underground cellars for a minimum of 36 months before its commercial release.

 

Tasting Notes:
 

Appearance: Bright, medium-bodied reddish ruby. Remarkably clear and pristine, showing no sediment. It displays intense amber and copper highlights with a broad, tawny (tile-red) rim.

 

Nose: Initially full-bodied and strikingly vibrant. It delivers an unusual concentration of very ripe red fruits—almost liqueur-like—intertwined with spicy nuances of star anise and ginger. A high-quality toasted cocoa note emerges, supported by an incredibly elegant herbaceous-balsamic backbone of sage, ivy, and dried stems. It is remarkably powerful on the nose, bordering on aggressive. As it decants, it settles into classic Rioja territory: refined notes of leather and English tobacco, eventually enveloped by a creamy vanilla embrace. It is smoky and lactic, yet so charming that the initial aromatic intensity is somewhat masked by the oak’s dominance.

 

Palate: Savory, generous, and lively, underpinned by a bracing acidity. The integration is seamless and remarkably round. This is one of the few 1982 vintages currently at its peak, avoiding the uncertainty of further aging. Everything is impeccably balanced and fine-tuned; it features greasy, supple tannins and a wealth of concentrated red fruit that is both tart and creamy. A truly rewarding wine that holds its character until the very last glass. Outstanding.

 

Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Score: 90