Solar de Samaniego 1966 Reserva

Wine: Solar de Samaniego 1966 Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Alavesas (Laguardia, Álava)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 100% Tempranillo.
ABV: (Not specified) 

Winemaking:
Following alcoholic fermentation, the wine was transferred to large wooden vats for malolactic fermentation and stabilization over a period of 30 months. It was then moved to neutral 225-liter American oak barrels for an aging period of 18 to 24 months. During this time, it underwent 3 to 4 manual rackings per year. The wine was not fined and received only a very gentle filtration prior to bottling. A minimum of 36 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars was required before its commercial release.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Brownish-ruby color with medium depth; clean, with a fine sediment at the base of the bottle. Featuring brilliant coppery and reddish reflections. Broad brick-orange rim.

 

Nose: Upon opening, it presents medium-intensity aromas—soft and vanillic. It is an easily recognizable traditional Rioja, though it initially lacks a certain degree of expressiveness. After thirty minutes of aeration, the wine begins to lift, revealing notes of withered flowers and dried herbs that accompany red fruit in liqueur. These scents merge with hints of candied fruit, quince paste, and dried apricots. It possesses a classical, tertiary character that shows some fatigue from the passage of time, bearing a resemblance to the 1968 Reserva in its toasted, earthy, and spicy undertones.

 

Palate: It remains vital, supported by a pale yet persistent acidity that breathes life into the ensemble. There is a significant presence of reduced, spicy, and overripe red fruit, showing a nearly sweet profile that might suggest a touch of Garnacha in the blend despite its declaration. Savory and effortless to drink, it is defined by the creamy nuances of the barrel.

 

Commentary:
The 1966 Solar de Samaniego is a dignified example of Laguardia's traditional winemaking, now in its twilight years. While it maintains its charm and a pleasant, velvety texture, it shows clear signs of having reached its peak. It is a wine to be enjoyed immediately, capturing a historical style of Alavesa that prioritizes softness and tertiary complexity over structural vigor.

 

Personal Score: 86
Tasting Group Average: 89