Winery: Bodegas Riojanas (Cenicero, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo, 10% Graciano, 5% Viura and others
ABV: 12% vol.
Winemaking:
Aged in cask from 1957 to 1972 before being hand-bottled. Then, it was stored in the old racks of Bodegas Riojanas. Initially, it was planned to be bottled as the regular Viña Albina Reserva in 1961. The finest casks were identified and chosen through rigorous tasting in the early years and set aside for extended aging separately from the rest. These barrels were aged for a longer period and finally hand-bottled in 1972. Throughout the first six years, the wine was racked every six months using the traditional Riojan 'cask-to-cask' method. To commemorate the centenary of Bodegas Riojanas (1890–1990) the wines werevcellared at the winery racks until 1990.
Tasting notes
Appearance:
Medium-high intensity with a deep reddish-ruby core, evolving into
amber and tawny reflections at the rim. The contrast between the
brick-colored edge and the meniscus highlights its noble aging.
Nose:
A quintessential classic profile. It unfolds with delicate tertiary
aromas of leather and stable, underpinned by ripe red forest fruits,
vanilla, and dried tea leaves. As it breathes, it reveals sophisticated
notes of orange marmalade, cherries in kirsch, and withered rose petals,
all wrapped in a bouquet of aromatic herbs. It retains a remarkable,
vibrant energy that bestows immense character and poise.
Palate:
Perfectly aligned with the nose; a rounded and impeccably structured
red. It offers a velvety, silken mouthfeel with a refined sweetness that
persists from the first sip. This wine epitomizes the virtues of the
legendary 1956 vintage at the Bodegas Riojanas Estate. The experience is
one of pure finesse: fully integrated, melting tannins, succulent red
fruit, and lingering nuances of smoked cedar and vanilla. Seven decades
later, these wines remain the gold standard of La Rioja. Pure liquid
artistry!
Personal Score: 96
Price: 180€
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