Wine: Paternina Viña Vial 1968 ReservaWinery: Federico Paternina (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, 5% Mazuelo.
ABV: 12% vol.
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, 5% Mazuelo.
ABV: 12% vol.
Winemaking
The wine spends 12 months in centenarian large wooden vats to complete malolactic fermentation and settle before racking. It matures for 30 to 36 months in seasoned 225-liter American oak barrels. A minimum of 24 months of bottle aging in the historic underground cellars of Ollauri is required prior to its commercial release.
The wine spends 12 months in centenarian large wooden vats to complete malolactic fermentation and settle before racking. It matures for 30 to 36 months in seasoned 225-liter American oak barrels. A minimum of 24 months of bottle aging in the historic underground cellars of Ollauri is required prior to its commercial release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Dark brownish-ruby color of medium-high depth; slightly turbid and
matte. It appears somewhat weighed down by its years. Orange reflections
with limited brilliance and a wide, tawny rim.
Nose:
Initially presents low-intensity but well-defined aromas; somewhat
muted, with a slight dominance of fungal notes, dried mushrooms, leaf
litter, and a hint of gunpowder (flint, silica) alongside cherry
liqueur—almost maraschino-like. It recovers quickly, shedding an excess
of reduction to reveal an abundance of ripe red fruits, kirsch, bitter
orange marmalade, biscotti, and vanilla. It continuously gains maturity
and presence, offering notes of dried fruits, aromatic coffee, and
toasted cocoa. Elegant and surprisingly more complex than initially
perceived upon opening.
Palate: Broad, textured (graso),
rounded, and generous, with a persistent vanilla nuance throughout. The
tannins are mature and still present, conveying a stronger Garnacha
influence than the winery’s technical sheets suggest. Toasted and
creamy, it remains vibrant thanks to sufficient acidity. Immensely
enjoyable.
Commentary
A fine "middle-tier" Reserva from Paternina and a worthy successor to the legendary Cepa Borgoña, one of the winery's pioneering brands from the early 20th century. Positioned between the Banda Azul and the Gran Reserva, the Viña Vial consistently matched the quality of the estate's top-tier wines during the best vintages. This 1968 stands as a testament to that legacy.
A fine "middle-tier" Reserva from Paternina and a worthy successor to the legendary Cepa Borgoña, one of the winery's pioneering brands from the early 20th century. Positioned between the Banda Azul and the Gran Reserva, the Viña Vial consistently matched the quality of the estate's top-tier wines during the best vintages. This 1968 stands as a testament to that legacy.
Personal Score: 89
Tasting Group Average: 90
Tasting Group Average: 90
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