Wine: Yago Ducal Reserva de Añada Especial 1949 Gran ReservaWinery: Bodegas Rioja Santiago (Haro, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 60% Tempranillo, 30% others (Garnacha, Mazuelo, Graciano), 10% Viura
ABV: 11.5%
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 60% Tempranillo, 30% others (Garnacha, Mazuelo, Graciano), 10% Viura
ABV: 11.5%
Winemaking:
Grapes were sourced entirely from various long-term partner growers across all three sub-zones: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Baja. The wine rested for 18 to 24 months in large, century-old oak vats for fermentation and stabilization. It matured for a minimum of 54 months in used American oak barrels (225L) with an average age of 16 years. Periodic manual barrel-to-barrel rackings were performed during the first three years of aging until its bottling in the second half of 1956. It underwent a minimum of 3 years of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars in Haro and Labastida before release.
Grapes were sourced entirely from various long-term partner growers across all three sub-zones: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Baja. The wine rested for 18 to 24 months in large, century-old oak vats for fermentation and stabilization. It matured for a minimum of 54 months in used American oak barrels (225L) with an average age of 16 years. Periodic manual barrel-to-barrel rackings were performed during the first three years of aging until its bottling in the second half of 1956. It underwent a minimum of 3 years of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars in Haro and Labastida before release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Ruby-red with medium-low depth; clean and very clear. Large scales of
sediment are present at the base of the bottle but do not cloud the
wine. Brilliant with amber reflections. Broad, saffron-toned rim, sharply defined against the meniscus. Diminutive, dry cork that was removed in one piece.
Nose:
Virtually odorless upon opening. After two hours, notes of seasoned oak
staves, ancient wood, and a curious backdrop of vanilla and plant
fibers (old basketry, esparto grass) begin to emerge. It evolves slowly,
revealing damp earth, fungal undertones, cloves, and a very rare
peppery hint reminiscent of the "suspicious" post-Civil War CVNE
vintages.
Palate:
Light and clean on the entry; fresh and light-bodied with an agile
flow. Fortunately, it retains an intense, non-aggressive acidity that
provides structure and presence. The ensemble is exceptionally polished
and seamless, though it perhaps lacks a bit of mid-palate weight and
resolution. Very drinkable but difficult to place blindly.
Commentary:
Tasted alongside several vintages of Yago Ducal and Gran Fino Enológica from the same era (1942, 1946, 1948, and 1949). This 1949 is perhaps the best-preserved of the group, maintaining the winery's signature light style but with a core of freshness and energy that far surpassed the others. It has reached its peak but holds its ground with dignity. It is advisable not to cellar it any longer.
Tasted alongside several vintages of Yago Ducal and Gran Fino Enológica from the same era (1942, 1946, 1948, and 1949). This 1949 is perhaps the best-preserved of the group, maintaining the winery's signature light style but with a core of freshness and energy that far surpassed the others. It has reached its peak but holds its ground with dignity. It is advisable not to cellar it any longer.
Personal Score: 90
Tasting Group Average: 90
Tasting Group Average: 90
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