Wine: Rioja Bordón 1969 Cosecha Especial
Winery: Bodegas Franco-Españolas (Logroño, Rioja Alta)
Winery Link: http://www.francoespanolas.com
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 50% Tempranillo, 40% Garnacha, 10% Mazuelo and Graciano
ABV: N/A
Winery: Bodegas Franco-Españolas (Logroño, Rioja Alta)
Winery Link: http://www.francoespanolas.com
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 50% Tempranillo, 40% Garnacha, 10% Mazuelo and Graciano
ABV: N/A
Winemaking:
The majority of the Tempranillo was sourced from estate vineyards and various cooperatives in Rioja Alta, primarily from San Asensio. The Garnacha was purchased entirely from growers in Arnedo and Tudelilla (Rioja Baja). All varietals were vinified together. The wine spent 12 months in large 30,000-liter seasoned oak vats for malolactic fermentation and stabilization. It then matured for 30 to 36 months in used 225-liter American oak barrels, with at least three manual barrel-to-barrel rackings. Aged for a minimum of 24 months in the winery’s underground cellars before release. Early lots were sold in Burgundy-style bottles, while later ones used Bordeaux bottles.
The majority of the Tempranillo was sourced from estate vineyards and various cooperatives in Rioja Alta, primarily from San Asensio. The Garnacha was purchased entirely from growers in Arnedo and Tudelilla (Rioja Baja). All varietals were vinified together. The wine spent 12 months in large 30,000-liter seasoned oak vats for malolactic fermentation and stabilization. It then matured for 30 to 36 months in used 225-liter American oak barrels, with at least three manual barrel-to-barrel rackings. Aged for a minimum of 24 months in the winery’s underground cellars before release. Early lots were sold in Burgundy-style bottles, while later ones used Bordeaux bottles.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Brownish-ruby with medium-low depth; exceptionally clear and
translucent with very little color matter. Displays vibrant reddish and
orange reflections. A fine sediment at the base has settled over time,
tinting much of the glass. Broad, tawny (atejado) rim covering most of the meniscus.
Nose:
Open and remarkably fresh, showing very little reductive character. It
features a distinct note of cola syrup (clove, vanilla) anchored by
overripe red fruit pulp (cherimoya, pomegranate, candied cherry, and
orange). There is a strong expression of Garnacha—aromatic and somewhat
voluminous—offering notes of sloes in liqueur and powdered laurel. As it
breathes, a creamy backdrop of toast, coffee beans, and cocoa butter
emerges. Accessible and joyful.
Palate:
Light-bodied and lean but deeply savory. It is seasoned with
high-quality citric acidity and fine bitters. Clear, balanced, and
brimming with energy; an incredibly silky and drinkable wine.
Commentary:
This 1969 shares much in common with the legendary 1970 vintage—a long-standing debate among enthusiasts. It would be difficult to distinguish between the two without a side-by-side tasting. Despite being Franco-Españolas' "entry-level" red at the time, it remains one of the finest examples from its vintage.
This 1969 shares much in common with the legendary 1970 vintage—a long-standing debate among enthusiasts. It would be difficult to distinguish between the two without a side-by-side tasting. Despite being Franco-Españolas' "entry-level" red at the time, it remains one of the finest examples from its vintage.
Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Average: 92
Tasting Group Average: 92
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