Wine: Marqués de Riscal 1922 Reserva
Winery: Marqués de Riscal (Elciego, Álava)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Tempranillo, and other local varieties.
ABV: (Not specified)
Winery: Marqués de Riscal (Elciego, Álava)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Tempranillo, and other local varieties.
ABV: (Not specified)
Winemaking:
This vintage includes a small, incidental percentage of white varieties (primarily Viura), as per the historical practice of harvesting headland vines—originally intended for family consumption—along with the red grapes. The wine spent 18 to 24 months in large foundational wooden vats for fermentation and stabilization. It was then aged in neutral 225-liter American oak barrels for 5 to 7 years. To avoid filtration, the wine underwent continuous manual rackings every three months during the first three years. Traditional fining with fresh egg whites was performed before the wine was bottled by hand directly from the barrel.
This vintage includes a small, incidental percentage of white varieties (primarily Viura), as per the historical practice of harvesting headland vines—originally intended for family consumption—along with the red grapes. The wine spent 18 to 24 months in large foundational wooden vats for fermentation and stabilization. It was then aged in neutral 225-liter American oak barrels for 5 to 7 years. To avoid filtration, the wine underwent continuous manual rackings every three months during the first three years. Traditional fining with fresh egg whites was performed before the wine was bottled by hand directly from the barrel.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Garnet-cherry color with brownish hues and medium-high depth; matte and
devoid of brilliance. Although it shows signs of advanced oxidation, it
lacks iodine notes. Opaque with reddish reflections. Narrow
brick-orange rim, showing a sharp contrast against the meniscus. (Note:
The cork was found fully saturated and dilated, causing a slight
displacement of the capsule).
Nose:
Refined and highly spiced, dominated by notes of smoked meat (charcoal,
vine shoots) and paprika, immediately suggesting a high Cabernet
Sauvignon content. Remarkably clean, with no reduction or off-odors,
though it suffers from low intensity. It gradually reveals scents of old
wood, "solera" nuances, and racking-derived notes, intertwined with
game, blood, and a ferruginous, mineral-like background. Dark and
mysterious, it possesses the haunting charm of its nine decades.
Palate:
Soft and polished, with no trace of tannins and only a slender thread
of vitality remaining. Mature, thin, and slightly sweet with vanilla
undertones. While it has lost its structural "teeth," it still delivers a
final, dignified bite. The overall profile is stately yet
decaying—reminiscent of a fallen noble family maintaining appearances. A
distant wine from a bygone era that says goodbye with serenity and
fading strength.
Commentary:
Standing before this wine is an exercise in absolute respect. It is a "beautiful corpse"—a liquid relic that has survived nearly a century. While its physical energy is spent, its aromatic complexity and the persistence of its Cabernet-driven soul offer a poignant glimpse into the history of Rioja. A somber, elegant farewell to one of the great vintages of the early 20th century.
Standing before this wine is an exercise in absolute respect. It is a "beautiful corpse"—a liquid relic that has survived nearly a century. While its physical energy is spent, its aromatic complexity and the persistence of its Cabernet-driven soul offer a poignant glimpse into the history of Rioja. A somber, elegant farewell to one of the great vintages of the early 20th century.
Personal Score: (Not specified)
Tasting Group Average: (Not specified)
Tasting Group Average: (Not specified)
No comments:
Post a Comment