Gran Condal Reserva de Añada Especial 1970 Gran Reserva

Wine: Gran Condal Reserva de Añada Especial 1970 Gran Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Rioja Santiago (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 85% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha.
ABV: — (Not specified)

Winemaking

Grapes purchased from various growers across the three sub-zones—Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Baja—who have been associated with the winery for generations. The wine remained for 12 months in large wooden vats to complete fermentation and settle before racking. It matured for 36 months in used 225-liter oak barrels (80% American, 20% French) with an average age of 10 years. It underwent a provisional pre-capping during its 4-year bottle aging period prior to commercial release.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Reddish-ruby color with medium depth; limpid and very clear. Brilliant, with pomegranate and orange reflections. Abundant, very fine, and persistent tears. Wide, coppery rim.

 

Nose: Medium intensity; soft and mature, dominated by creamy oak notes and a marked vanilla backdrop. Classical and excellently outlined, showing no reductive issues, though initially lacking a bit of personality. After aeration, it evolves to reveal fragrant red fruit in liqueur, cherries, sloes, and strawberry tree fruit, with a hint of orange peel and fine cedar wood. It continues along the same path: damp earth, hummus, and walnut bark. Autumnal in spirit and highly pleasant.

 

Palate: On the palate, it is the closest thing to savoring a piece of toffee. Creamy and mature, with a potent sweet note that supports nuances of vanilla, chocolate liqueur, toasted cocoa, and fine bitter hints of "Zara" licorice. While slightly short on acidity, it remains vivid with very ripe tannins. Agreeable and reliable. Delicious.

 

Commentary

The 1970 Gran Condal is a testament to the consistency of Rioja Santiago’s historical "Special Vintages." While it leans towards a riper, more lactic profile than other labels from Haro, it maintains its structural integrity with a velvety mouthfeel. It is a "sweet" and comforting red that has managed to age with grace, delivering a high level of pleasure without the need for further cellaring.

 

Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Average: 92