Wine: Montecillo Selección Especial 1985 Gran Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Montecillo (Fuenmayor, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 100% Tempranillo
ABV: 12.5%
Winery: Bodegas Montecillo (Fuenmayor, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 100% Tempranillo
ABV: 12.5%
Winemaking:
Manual harvest during the second week of October, followed by a second table selection at the winery. The wine spent a minimum of 6 months in oak vats to complete fermentation and stabilization, with a maceration period of 25 to 35 days. It was then aged for 43 months in new French and American oak barrels (225L) crafted in-house by the winery's cooperage. Subjected to periodic manual rackings. Bottled in early 1991, it underwent a minimum of 36 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars. This specific lot was released in 2008 as part of a library release of historic vintages.
Manual harvest during the second week of October, followed by a second table selection at the winery. The wine spent a minimum of 6 months in oak vats to complete fermentation and stabilization, with a maceration period of 25 to 35 days. It was then aged for 43 months in new French and American oak barrels (225L) crafted in-house by the winery's cooperage. Subjected to periodic manual rackings. Bottled in early 1991, it underwent a minimum of 36 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars. This specific lot was released in 2008 as part of a library release of historic vintages.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Garnet-red with medium-high depth; opaque and more extracted than
expected. Brilliant and limpid, showing no signs of sediment. Vibrant
pomegranate and orange reflections. Narrow, tawny rim, sharply defined against the meniscus. Excellent cork, barely stained and elastic, likely recorked prior to its 2008 release.
Nose:
Powerful and immediate with great presence. It transitions from an
apparent austerity to an expression of significant finesse and
complexity. Initially dense, it features a battery of tertiary notes:
hints of stable, horsehair, varnishes, seasoned wood planks, and plant
fibers (hemp rope, esparto), which soften with aeration. It evolves
rapidly, opening up to candied fruit and fine reductive notes (tobacco,
smoke, earth, cedar). It maintains a curious "emulsion" between its
initial ruggedness and a progressive gain in elegance, providing immense
personality.
Palate:
Light, subtle, and exceptionally smooth on the palate. It is
"cushioned" and possesses excellent balance, with no visible harsh
edges. Both mature and fresh, it is highly discursive and associated
with a high-quality residual sweetness, vanilla, and cinnamon. It still
retains enough punch and energy to be enjoyed in prime condition.
Commentary:
The wine appears to be reaching its peak, if it isn't there already. It is a charming example of the Selección Especial series, balancing a rustic soul with a polished, traditional Riojan finish. Highly recommended for immediate consumption.
The wine appears to be reaching its peak, if it isn't there already. It is a charming example of the Selección Especial series, balancing a rustic soul with a polished, traditional Riojan finish. Highly recommended for immediate consumption.
Personal Score: 90
Tasting Group Average: 90
Tasting Group Average: 90
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