Wine: Viña Real 1981 Reserva
Winery: CVNE - Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (Haro, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha
ABV: 13%
Winery: CVNE - Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (Haro, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha
ABV: 13%
Winemaking:
The wine rested for 12 months in tanks to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilization before oak aging. It matured for 36 months in semi-neutral 225-liter barrels (70% American oak, 30% French oak). Unfiltered. Bottled in early 1986, it underwent a minimum of 48 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars before being released to the market in the late 1980s.
The wine rested for 12 months in tanks to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilization before oak aging. It matured for 36 months in semi-neutral 225-liter barrels (70% American oak, 30% French oak). Unfiltered. Bottled in early 1986, it underwent a minimum of 48 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars before being released to the market in the late 1980s.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Garnet-cherry color with medium depth; clean and free of sediment.
Displays vibrant reddish and amber reflections with a brilliant sheen.
Tinted, thick, and persistent legs. Narrow, tawny (atejado) rim, sharply defined against the meniscus.
Nose:
Exceptionally fine and earthy, layered with notes of Mediterranean
scrubland, leaf litter, and fungal undertones. This is supported by a
high-quality backdrop of varnished woods (cedar, tung oil, marquetry).
It combines power and finesse in equal measure, gradually revealing
subtle liqueur-like notes (orange, Grand Marnier), crushed peppercorns,
old leather, and aromatic coffee. It possesses such a Burgundian style
that it is hard to believe; without the label, one would easily mistake
it for the Gran Reserva of the same vintage.
Palate: The wine appears to be at its absolute peak. Viscous,
concentrated, and savory, featuring a delicious sweet nuance—indicative
of excellent Garnacha—tempered by the acidity of a truly great wine. It
is as delicate as it is vigorous, polished yet alive, and brimming with
energy without sacrificing a shred of refinement. It lingers
indefinitely with spicy and bitter notes, being both broad and long at
the same time.
Commentary:
Some claim this is the last great Viña Real Reserva, and I am inclined to agree. A monumental wine from start to finish that perfectly balances structural strength with the most sophisticated elegance of Haro.
Some claim this is the last great Viña Real Reserva, and I am inclined to agree. A monumental wine from start to finish that perfectly balances structural strength with the most sophisticated elegance of Haro.
Personal Score: 94
Tasting Group Average: 95
Tasting Group Average: 95
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