Viña Pomal 1962 Reserva Especial

Wine: Viña Pomal 1962 Reserva Especial
Winery: Bodegas Bilbaínas (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 65% Tempranillo, 35% Garnacha.
ABV: — (Not specified)

Winemaking

The wine initially remained for 12 months in large, old wooden vats to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilize before racking. It matured for between 6 and 7 years in used 225-liter American oak barrels, with several manual rackings performed each year. Filtered prior to bottling. It underwent a minimum of 48 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars before its commercial release.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Spectacular brownish-ruby color with medium-low depth; clean and brilliant. It displays amber and orange reflections. There is almost no distinction between the meniscus and the rim; very stable in color, featuring thick tears.

 

Nose: A bit of everything is present, well-defined, with the sensation of slowly gaining intensity and greater expression. Initial impressions are of wilted flowers, candied red fruits, and a slightly vegetal backdrop of sage and laurel. Very restrained in its oak or creamy notes. Soft toasted nuances appear alongside some blonde tobacco and a trace of sweet spices. Exceptional balance.

 

Palate: It possesses a spicy, fresh core and excellent acidity. Quintessential Pomal in every aspect. Ample, spicy, soft, and compact, featuring fine bitter notes. It opens gradually, leaving a high-quality sweet note followed by a long finish.

 

Commentary

The "Reserva Especial" version of Viña Pomal sits at a fascinating midpoint within the vast and diverse historical portfolio of Bodegas Bilbaínas: positioned between the clean freshness of the "Clarete Fino" and the sheer power of the "Vendimia Especial" or "Gran Zaco." This 1962 vintage leaves a far better impression than expected—a rare example of an underrated harvest that produced superior wines. It is a classicist's treasure that reveals the immense registry of Haro's traditional winemaking.

 

Personal Score: 93
Tasting Group Average: 93