Wine: Solagüen 1981 Gran Reserva
Winery: Unión Cosecheros de Labastida (Labastida, Rioja Alavesa)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 100% Tempranillo
ABV: 13%
Winery: Unión Cosecheros de Labastida (Labastida, Rioja Alavesa)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 100% Tempranillo
ABV: 13%
Winemaking:
Grapes sourced from various old-growth plots (approximately 60 years old) located around the municipality of Labastida. Initial fermentation and malolactic fermentation took place in traditional angular concrete vats. The wine was then racked into used American oak barrels, where it aged for 24 to 36 months. It underwent a minimum of 36 months of bottle aging in the winery’s underground cellars before its commercial release.
Grapes sourced from various old-growth plots (approximately 60 years old) located around the municipality of Labastida. Initial fermentation and malolactic fermentation took place in traditional angular concrete vats. The wine was then racked into used American oak barrels, where it aged for 24 to 36 months. It underwent a minimum of 36 months of bottle aging in the winery’s underground cellars before its commercial release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Brownish-ruby with medium-high depth; significantly extracted and
opaque. Reddish and tawny reflections with a matte finish and muted
brilliance. Clean and free of sediment. Broad, saffron-toned rim, sharply defined against the meniscus.
Nose:
High intensity, though initially somewhat rugged, featuring a marked
liqueur-like character of maraschino and sloes. It displays a generous
amount of toasted notes: cocoa powder, burnt coffee, and cloves,
accompanied by a backdrop of smoldering embers and damp earth. It
requires a few minutes to settle and shed the initial oak dominance. As
it opens, it reveals hints of candied fruit, with pastry notes and sweet
spices, alongside a wild edge (scrubland, sea fennel) that gains
presence with aeration. Mediterranean in style, broad, and very vivid.
Palate: Vibrant, broad, and fleshy on the palate; full and savory.
It possesses more volume than expected, packed with candied red and
black fruit. The ensemble is well-resolved and fully polished, featuring
high-quality bitters and soft tannins.
Commentary:
A major surprise from Rioja Alavesa. While it moves away from the strictly traditional Riojan style, it is remarkably drinkable and maintains great personality and poise. A very rich and satisfying Gran Reserva that has aged with notable structural integrity.
A major surprise from Rioja Alavesa. While it moves away from the strictly traditional Riojan style, it is remarkably drinkable and maintains great personality and poise. A very rich and satisfying Gran Reserva that has aged with notable structural integrity.
Personal Score: 90
Tasting Group Average: 92
Tasting Group Average: 92
No comments:
Post a Comment