El Montecillo 1966 Reserva

Wine: El Montecillo 1966 Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Montecillo (Fuenmayor, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, 15% Mazuelo.
ABV: — (Not specified)

Winemaking

Grapes sourced from small-scale growers in the municipalities of Navarrete, Cenicero, and Fuenmayor, all of whom had been associated with the Navajas family since the winery’s founding in 1874. The wine remained for 12 months in large wooden vats to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilize before racking. It underwent 48 months of aging in used 225-liter American oak barrels. A minimum of 36 months of bottle aging followed prior to its commercial release in the mid-1970s.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Brownish-ruby color with medium-low depth; clear and slightly grainy, with a very fine sediment at the base of the bottle. It displays reddish and coppery reflections with subdued brilliance. The rim is wide and orange. (Note: High-quality lead and tin capsule, perfectly sealed. The cork was remarkably elastic, extracted in one piece, clean, and barely stained).

 

Nose: Medium intensity with a classical and spicy profile. It opens with an initial layer of vanilla and creamy nuances, followed by a light hint of sloes and cherries in liqueur. This gives way to a generous amount of candied fruit, orange peel, and elegant toasted notes over a backdrop of noble oak that provides stature to the bouquet. A well-crafted red, pleasant and showing almost no reductive notes.

 

Palate: Pure finesse and weightlessness on the palate. Light and acidulous, featuring mature tannins and high-quality bitter notes. It maintains adequate acidity, with no flaws or elements out of place. It shares many characteristics with the Viña Monty bottlings of that era, though perhaps it remains somewhat more reserved. Currently in a great drinking window; to be enjoyed now.

 

Commentary

The 1966 Reserva is a testament to the traditional elegance of the Navajas era at Montecillo. It stands out for its structural integrity—evidenced by the pristine condition of the cork—and its refined, unhurried evolution. While it may not possess the exuberance of other historical vintages, its balance and "classicist" charm make it a very rewarding example of old-school Fuenmayor winemaking.

 

Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Average: 90