Wine: Viña Monty 1982 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:
Grapes sourced from estate vineyards and small growers in Rioja Alta. The wine spent an initial period of 6 to 12 months in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for fermentation and stabilization. It matured for 42 to 48 months in 225-liter barrels, using a blend of seasoned American oak and new French Limousin oak (70%-30%). Periodic manual barrel-to-barrel rackings were performed each year. Bottled in mid-1987, it underwent a minimum of 36 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars before release.
Grapes sourced from estate vineyards and small growers in Rioja Alta. The wine spent an initial period of 6 to 12 months in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for fermentation and stabilization. It matured for 42 to 48 months in 225-liter barrels, using a blend of seasoned American oak and new French Limousin oak (70%-30%). Periodic manual barrel-to-barrel rackings were performed each year. Bottled in mid-1987, it underwent a minimum of 36 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars before release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Ruby-red with medium-low depth; translucent and highly evolved. Clean
and free of sediment. Displays brilliant amber and copper reflections.
Broad, tawny (atejado) rim with little contrast against the meniscus. Quality cork, very long, though fully saturated.
Nose:
It requires time to unfurl. Initially, it shows notes of ground
peppercorns and traces of seasoned wood, traditional rackings, and plant
fibers (esparto, hemp rope), followed by old leather and blond tobacco.
Ripe red fruit in liqueur emerges alongside bitter orange marmalade and
dried apricots. Highly mature and evolved, with an approachable
backdrop of vanilla, coffee beans, creamy toast, and almond cream.
Palate:
Exceptionally polished, light-bodied, and caressing, with no harsh
edges. It is very pleasing to drink, though it lacks significant depth.
Serious and well-crafted: everything is perfectly integrated, with
sufficient acidity and a great sense of order. It leaves a subtle
sweet-fruit nuance. Somewhat short on the finish with no perceptible
alcohol heat. Enjoyable and well-resolved.
Commentary:
A Viña Monty that has withstood the passage of time with dignity and no signs of fatigue. It performs better than the 1981 Gran Reserva, though it sits far below the Montecillo Selección Especial series released by the winery a few years ago. The prolonged aging in the Fuenmayor cellars has likely aided its preservation.
A Viña Monty that has withstood the passage of time with dignity and no signs of fatigue. It performs better than the 1981 Gran Reserva, though it sits far below the Montecillo Selección Especial series released by the winery a few years ago. The prolonged aging in the Fuenmayor cellars has likely aided its preservation.
Personal Score: 88
Tasting Group Average: 88
Tasting Group Average: 88
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