Wine: Marqués del Romeral 1981 Gran Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Félix Azpilicueta Martínez - AGE Bodegas Unidas (Fuenmayor, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 60% Tempranillo, 25% Mazuelo, 15% Graciano
ABV: 12.5%
Winery: Bodegas Félix Azpilicueta Martínez - AGE Bodegas Unidas (Fuenmayor, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 60% Tempranillo, 25% Mazuelo, 15% Graciano
ABV: 12.5%
Winemaking:
The wine spent between 8 and 12 months in large, seasoned oak vats to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilization before racking. It matured for 36 months in used American oak barrels (225L) with an average age of 12 years, subjected to periodic rackings. Bottled in January 1986, it underwent a minimum of 24 months of bottle aging in the winery’s Fuenmayor cellars before its commercial release.
The wine spent between 8 and 12 months in large, seasoned oak vats to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilization before racking. It matured for 36 months in used American oak barrels (225L) with an average age of 12 years, subjected to periodic rackings. Bottled in January 1986, it underwent a minimum of 24 months of bottle aging in the winery’s Fuenmayor cellars before its commercial release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Brownish-ruby with medium-low depth; translucent and very clear.
Displays orange and reddish reflections with muted brilliance. Broad,
tawny rim that blends into the meniscus. Strong sense of viscosity; highly glyceric with persistent legs.
Nose:
Somewhat sparse upon opening, though without significant signs of
excessive reduction. It initially reveals notes of seasoned oak staves,
rackings, incense, nutshells, coffee beans, and a soft vanilla backdrop.
Aeration serves it well, allowing the wine to expand and reveal details
of candied red and black fruit, Virginia tobacco threads, sweet citrics
(bitter orange marmalade), and a hint of fine wood that struggles to
fully shine through the initial seasoned notes. Lacking in sharp
definition but well-resolved.
Palate:
Fuller on the palate than expected—vibrant and vigorous, possessing a
very correct acidity and a surprising level of concentration. Its best
asset is its full integration: mature tannins, superb balance, savory,
and showing a certain elegance. More appealing than profound, but
overall successful.
Commentary:
Alongside the 1982 vintage, this 1981 stands as some of the finest work produced by AGE during that decade. It has exceeded expectations, proving to be a pleasant surprise given the general lack of high hopes for this period of the winery. A Gran Reserva that has aged with more dignity and structure than its initial profile suggested.
Alongside the 1982 vintage, this 1981 stands as some of the finest work produced by AGE during that decade. It has exceeded expectations, proving to be a pleasant surprise given the general lack of high hopes for this period of the winery. A Gran Reserva that has aged with more dignity and structure than its initial profile suggested.
Personal Score: 88
Tasting Group Average: 89
Tasting Group Average: 89
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