Campillo 1982 Gran Reserva

Wine: Campillo 1982 Gran Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Campillo (Laguardia, Álava)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 100% Tempranillo
ABV: 12.5% vol.
Winemaking
Sourced from centenarian Tempranillo vines, some exceeding 100 years of age. The wine initially spends six months in vats to complete fermentation and stabilize before racking. It is then aged in 225-liter French and American oak barrels for a period ranging between 24 and 36 months. A minimum of three years of bottle aging in the winery’s cellar is required prior to its commercial release.
 
Tasting Notes
 
Appearance: Medium-high depth with a reddish-ruby core; clear, bright, and well-extracted. A very fine sediment is present at the base of the bottle. It displays brilliant garnet and orange reflections, framed by a wide, prominent copper rim that stands out distinctly from the meniscus.
 
Nose: The wine evolves steadily, requiring significant aeration to unfurl. Initially somewhat elusive and muted, it gradually reveals subtle, sweet registers of dried fruits—Smyrna figs, Dakhla dates, and raisins—interwoven with creamy oak and white spices. Notes of vanilla, nutmeg, and smoke are prevalent. As it slowly opens, it maintains a charming off-dry character, leaning towards toffee and caramel. A refined reductive trail follows, showing hints of old leather, leaf litter, and humus.
 
Palate: Silky, balanced, and perfectly rounded on the palate. A layer of creamy wood and spices makes it highly savory, though it lacks immense depth. The tannins are mature and sweet, contributing to a well-resolved and approachable ensemble. This represents a distinct interpretation of traditional Rioja by the Martínez Zabala family, contrasting sharply with the classic Faustino style.
 
Commentary
This 1982 Gran Reserva is a testament to the potential of old-vine Tempranillo. While it demands patience to reveal its full aromatic spectrum, the reward is a polished and hedonistic experience. It marks a transition in the Rioja landscape, offering a more robust and creamy profile compared to its historical peers while maintaining the elegance of the region's great vintages.
 
Personal Score: 90
Tasting Group (els12golafres) Average: 90

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