Wine: Rioja Bordón 1978 Gran Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Franco-Españolas (Logroño, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha, 5% Mazuelo and Graciano
ABV: 12.5%
Winery: Bodegas Franco-Españolas (Logroño, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha, 5% Mazuelo and Graciano
ABV: 12.5%
Winemaking:
Following alcoholic fermentation in concrete tanks, the wine was racked into large founding-era seasoned oak vats for malolactic fermentation and stabilization for at least 12 months. It was then aged for 36 to 42 months in new and semi-neutral 225-liter American white oak barrels, with two manual barrel-to-barrel rackings performed each year. The wine underwent a very light filtration before bottling. It was aged for a minimum of 36 months in the winery’s historic Logroño cellars. This specific lot was released in 1990 in a special frustoconical bottle to commemorate the winery’s centenary, as part of a numbered and limited selection of historic vintages from the 60s and 70s.
Following alcoholic fermentation in concrete tanks, the wine was racked into large founding-era seasoned oak vats for malolactic fermentation and stabilization for at least 12 months. It was then aged for 36 to 42 months in new and semi-neutral 225-liter American white oak barrels, with two manual barrel-to-barrel rackings performed each year. The wine underwent a very light filtration before bottling. It was aged for a minimum of 36 months in the winery’s historic Logroño cellars. This specific lot was released in 1990 in a special frustoconical bottle to commemorate the winery’s centenary, as part of a numbered and limited selection of historic vintages from the 60s and 70s.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Ruby-red with medium-low depth; exceptionally clean with no signs of
sediment. Displays vibrant pomegranate and orange reflections;
refulgent. Broad, tawny (atejado) rim, sharply defined.
Nose:
Fragrant and powerful, yet clean and aromatic. It opens with notes of
red fruits, withered flowers, infused hibiscus, and dried meat, over a
very soft backdrop of creamy oak (toffee, vanilla, coconut). Integrated,
frank, and perfumed, it feels remarkably young compared to other
contemporary vintages. Its lack of color is the only clue to its age. It
evolves elegantly, revealing a greater reductive expression: leaf
litter, leather, cigar tobacco, and aromatic coffee. Immensely
approachable.
Palate:
Caressing and light-bodied. It shows a strong initial attack thanks to
excellent acidity and a core of freshness—almost citric—that gives it
presence. Savory, polished, and perfectly rounded, it reveals even more
reduced red fruit (Garnacha) and an elegant spicy, bitter nuance on the
long finish. The oak is perfectly integrated.
Commentary:
In many ways, this wine recalls a great vintage of Murrieta's Etiqueta Blanca. A rare, high-quality, and thoroughly recommended bottle that defies its years with grace and energy.
In many ways, this wine recalls a great vintage of Murrieta's Etiqueta Blanca. A rare, high-quality, and thoroughly recommended bottle that defies its years with grace and energy.
Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Average: 92
Tasting Group Average: 92
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