Wine: Viña Turzaballa 2001 Gran Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Ramón Bilbao (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 100% Tempranillo
ABV: 12.5% vol.
Winery: Bodegas Ramón Bilbao (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 100% Tempranillo
ABV: 12.5% vol.
Winemaking:
Manual harvest in mid-October from the winery's two oldest estate vineyards, Finca de la Turca and La Zaballa, featuring vines over 75 years old. The wine completed malolactic fermentation and stabilization in tanks before being racked. It matured for 40 months in 225-liter American oak barrels, with two manual rackings performed each year. Limited production of 108,000 bottles. Minimum of 40 months of bottle aging in the winery’s underground cellars before commercial release.
Manual harvest in mid-October from the winery's two oldest estate vineyards, Finca de la Turca and La Zaballa, featuring vines over 75 years old. The wine completed malolactic fermentation and stabilization in tanks before being racked. It matured for 40 months in 225-liter American oak barrels, with two manual rackings performed each year. Limited production of 108,000 bottles. Minimum of 40 months of bottle aging in the winery’s underground cellars before commercial release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Reddish-ruby color with medium-high depth; darker than most of its
peers from the same vintage. Opaque and limpid, showing no sediment.
Brilliant garnet and coppery reflections. Broad, tile-colored (atejado) rim, sharply defined against the meniscus.
Nose:
A Turzaballa of immense personality. While initially somewhat imprecise
and dominated by potent oak and balsamic notes (ivy, balsam), it
requires significant aeration to find its poise. After two hours, it
reveals red and liqueur-like fruits, creamy toast, nutmeg, and an
exquisite hint of withered flowers that gains presence. It is powerful
and generous, yet fine; mature without losing tension. It displays a
deeper varietal character than previous vintages, evolving toward
complexity with classic nuances of cedar, wine-soaked staves, and
leather, finishing with a pure earthy-mineral streak.
Palate:
Consistent with the nose: solid, concentrated, and still conveying a
sense of youth. It demands further bottle age—and plenty of it. The
tannins are marked and slightly woody, balanced by an extraordinary
acidity that infuses the ensemble with life. It is fresh and vibrant,
packed with tart fruit and spices. Savory and long, with a high-quality
toasted aftertaste.
Commentary:
This 2001 marks the final edition of Ramón Bilbao's great classic, now sadly discontinued. Originally registered in 1924, it was the last survivor of the era preceding the winery's acquisition in the early 1970s. It represents the qualitative pinnacle of the house—a profound loss for traditional Rioja enthusiasts. A Gran Reserva that fully honors the legendary 2001 vintage.
This 2001 marks the final edition of Ramón Bilbao's great classic, now sadly discontinued. Originally registered in 1924, it was the last survivor of the era preceding the winery's acquisition in the early 1970s. It represents the qualitative pinnacle of the house—a profound loss for traditional Rioja enthusiasts. A Gran Reserva that fully honors the legendary 2001 vintage.
Personal Score: 92
Tasting Group Average: 91
Tasting Group Average: 91
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