Wine: Señorío Artagan 1983 Gran Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Ibaiondo (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 60% Tempranillo, 30% Garnacha, 10% Viura.
ABV: 12.5% vol.
Winery: Bodegas Ibaiondo (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 60% Tempranillo, 30% Garnacha, 10% Viura.
ABV: 12.5% vol.
Winemaking
Grapes sourced entirely from estate vineyards located in the municipality of Labastida. Fermentation took place in concrete vats. The wine was then racked into semi-seasoned 225-liter American oak barrels, where it aged for 30 to 36 months. Bottled in 70 cl format. It rested for a minimum of two years in the cellar prior to its commercial release.
Grapes sourced entirely from estate vineyards located in the municipality of Labastida. Fermentation took place in concrete vats. The wine was then racked into semi-seasoned 225-liter American oak barrels, where it aged for 30 to 36 months. Bottled in 70 cl format. It rested for a minimum of two years in the cellar prior to its commercial release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Reddish-ruby color of medium depth; brilliant and limpid. It shows
vivid, effulgent garnet and golden reflections with a narrow orange rim.
Nose:
Medium-intensity aromas; candied and mature, filled with reduced red
fruit and a subtle spirituous, frosted edge. Notes of orange marmalade
emerge, alongside a growing vanilla accent. These are followed by dairy
nuances, Werther's Original-style caramels, toffee, and sweet spices. An
off-dry, creamy profile that, while lacking great complexity, is quite
approachable and charming.
Palate:
Soft and rounded with a distinct nerve. Its style broke away from the
usual conventions of the era, sitting somewhere between the "new" wines
of the 70s and the "short-aging" Gran Reserva typical of the Alavesa
subzone. Well-structured, organized, and fine, featuring silky tannins
and a convincing finish. It actually performs better on the palate than
on the nose. A pleasant surprise from this first vintage of a very
small, relatively unknown winery. A well-made, straightforward
red—unpretentious yet satisfying from start to finish.
Commentary
This 1983 is a discovery that highlights the diversity of Rioja during the early 80s. While not a monumental icon, it provides an honest and reliable drinking experience, showing the fresher, more fruit-forward side of Labastida’s terroir. A solid example of a "hidden gem" from a producer that focused on quality over fame.
This 1983 is a discovery that highlights the diversity of Rioja during the early 80s. While not a monumental icon, it provides an honest and reliable drinking experience, showing the fresher, more fruit-forward side of Labastida’s terroir. A solid example of a "hidden gem" from a producer that focused on quality over fame.
Personal Score: 86
Tasting Group Average: 86
Tasting Group Average: 86
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